Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that are applied to teeth surfaces to prevent cavities. Sealants can be used anywhere on a tooth but are commonly placed on the biting surfaces of molars, the back or front pits of molars, or the back surface of the upper front teeth. Sealants are generally used for areas of the tooth with pits that are more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants are used to prevent cavities, not to fix cavities that have already started. Once a cavity is present, a dental filling is required. The difference between sealants and fillings is that sealants are applied on the surface of a tooth, while fillings require a portion of the tooth structure to be drilled away and placed.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
- Both children and adults
- Patients who have had previous tooth decay or cavities
- Patients who have deep grooves and pits in their teeth
- Children who have back molars erupting
- Children who aren’t brushing/ flossing well at home
- Anyone interested in preventing cavities
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
- The tooth/teeth surfaces are cleaned and polished to remove any debris and bacteria from the teeth surfaces
- The teeth surfaces are dried, and an acid etch is applied to the locations the sealants will be applied
- The acid etch is generally left to set on the surfaces for 30 seconds before being rinsed off
- The purpose of the acid etch is to create microscopic notches in the enamel surfaces to ensure the sealants bond to the teeth
- The teeth are dried again, and the sealant material is placed into the grooves/nooks/pits
- A curing light is used to set the sealant material
- The occlusion is checked to make sure the sealant material is not impeding the bite
Dental sealants do not last a lifetime and periodically need to be checked. Over time, dental sealants can begin to chip away and may require either removal or replacement. If you have any questions about dental sealants or believe you may be a candidate, contact us to schedule an appointment.