Dental Sealants
About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of primary and permanent molars in children and adolescents.
These teeth have deep grooves and pits, making them more susceptible to trapping food particles and bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.
Sealants act as a protective shield, sealing off the tooth surface and preventing the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Key Takeaway
Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect them from decay. They are especially recommended for children and adolescents as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas.
The Importance of Dental Sealants
The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend dental sealants for children as a preventive dental treatment.
Sealants are highly effective in reducing the risk of tooth decay, especially on the back teeth where brushing and flossing can be more challenging. Sealants can also be applied to cavities that are in the early stages to halt their progression.
Studies have shown that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in the first two years after application. 1
We recommend applying sealants as soon as a child’s permanent molars come through, usually between the ages of six and twelve.
Ideally, they should be placed right after the molars have fully erupted to protect them from developing cavities.
Sealants can also be applied to primary (baby) teeth if they have deep grooves and pits and are at risk for decay.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Protection against cavities: They create a smooth surface that prevents bacteria and food particles from settling into the deep grooves and pits of the teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
- Painless process: The application is a painless and non-invasive procedure, requiring no drilling or removal of tooth structure.
- Cost-effective: Compared to treating tooth decay and cavities, this is an affordable preventive measure.
- Long-lasting: With proper care and maintenance, the protection can last for many years, supporting your child’s oral health.
- Promotes good oral hygiene: They make it easier to keep the chewing surfaces of the back teeth clean by creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
The Application Process
The process of applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
These are the general steps involved in applying dental sealants when performed at our pediatric dental office.
- Cleaning: The teeth that will receive the sealants are thoroughly cleaned.
- Isolation: The teeth are isolated and kept dry to ensure optimal bonding of the sealant material.
- Etching: The tooth surface is gently roughened using a mild etching solution that is then rinsed off to create an optimal surface for the sealant.
- Bonding Agent: After drying the tooth, a clear liquid bonding agent is applied with a small brush that helps the sealant better adhere to the prepared surface.
- Application: The dental sealant material is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth, covering the deep grooves and pits.
- Curing: A special light is used to harden and set the sealant material.
The entire process takes about 5 minutes per tooth. No drilling or anesthesia is required! Dental sealants last about 5 years and will need to be redone if they wear or chip off.
Caring for Dental Sealants
Sealants help to prevent tooth decay, but they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Your child should continue to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings are also essential to maintain healthy teeth. During these appointments, we will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.
FAQs About Dental Sealants
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are they made of? | Dental sealants are made of medical-grade resin or glass ionomer materials. |
| Can you feel them? | No, once the sealant is applied and cured, it becomes a thin layer that is not noticeable to the touch. |
| Can you see them? | Dental sealants are typically tooth-colored and blend in with the natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. |
| Are there BPAs in dental sealants? | The material used in some dental sealants contains a small amount of BPA. However, studies show the level is significantly lower than daily exposure from other sources.2 |
| How long do you have to wait to eat/drink? | You can eat and drink as soon as the sealants are applied and cured. |
| How much do dental sealants cost? | The average cost of dental sealants is $35-$80 per tooth, depending on the dental office and location. However, this is typically less expensive than traditional fillings or other invasive dental procedures. |
| Are they covered by insurance? | Many insurance plans cover the cost of sealants, especially for children. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage. |
Dental Sealants vs Fluoride Varnish
Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish are preventive measures used to protect teeth from cavities. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Purpose: Dental sealants create a barrier on the chewing surfaces of molars, while fluoride varnish is applied to all tooth surfaces to strengthen and protect against decay.
- Application process: Sealants are bonded to the enamel in the grooves of the teeth, while fluoride varnish is painted onto the surface of the teeth.
- Frequency of application: Dental sealants stay on the teeth and last about 5 years, while fluoride varnish is a treatment that needs to be reapplied every 3–6 months.
- Target age group: Sealants are recommended for children and adolescents with permanent molars, while fluoride varnish is suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish can be effective in preventing tooth decay. Talk to your pediatric dentist about which option is best for your child’s oral health needs.
Why Preventive Dental Care is Important
Preventive dental care plays an important role in maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues before they become more severe.
By taking proactive steps to care for your child’s teeth, you can help them develop healthy dental habits for life.
Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and preventive measures like dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
Investing in preventive dental care not only saves you money in the long run but also helps your child maintain a healthy and confident smile.
We believe in a proactive approach to dental care, focusing on education and preventive measures to help children maintain healthy smiles for life. We offer dental sealants as one of our preventive services to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
If you are searching for a pediatric dentist that is accepting new patients, we can help! To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or complete the online inquiry form.
- Community Preventive Services Task Force. Preventing Dental Caries: School-based Dental Sealant Delivery Programs. US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016. Accessed November 8, 2023. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/media/pdf/Oral-Health-Caries-School-based-Sealants_0.pdf [PDF-579KB] ↩︎
- American Dental Association. (2016). Bisphenol A (BPA) released from resin-based dental sealants. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/library/oral-health-topics/201608_ppr_bisphenol_a_released_from_resin_based_dental_sealants.pdf ↩︎
