What are sealants?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are placed in the groves of the biting surfaces of your teeth. Sealants resemble tooth-colored fillings.
Who should get sealants & why?
The purpose of sealants is to prevent cavities. We recommend children as well as adults to have sealants. As soon as the 6 year molars have fully erupted on your children, you should consider having sealants placed. The 6 year molars (first molars) usually come in between ages 5-7, but that can vary. Later when the 12 year molars erupt, those can also be sealed. The 12 year molars (second molars) usually erupt between ages 8 ½ to 13 years old. Besides, children, anyone who is prone to get cavities should consider getting sealants. Also anyone with deep groves in the biting surfaces of their teeth should consider sealants, since they are hard to keep clean.
Which teeth should have sealants?
Any permanent teeth can be sealed. Molars and bicuspids (pre-molars) are the teeth that are most often sealed.
What is involved with placing sealants?
To place a sealant, the tooth must be very dry. Any kind of moisture could prevent the sealant from adhering to the tooth. To ensure dryness, cotton rolls may be placed around your tooth. Next a preparation gel called etch is placed on the tooth. Then that gel will be washed and suctioned (vacuumed) off and the tooth dried by blowing air. Next a bonding agent will be “painted” on the tooth. Then a blue colored ultraviolet (u.v.) light is used to activate the bonding agent. Then the sealant is placed in the groves of the biting surfaces of the tooth. Finally the blue u.v. light is used to make the sealant harden. You may be asked to close your eyes or wear orange colored glasses because it is not good for your eyes to stare at the blue u.v. light.
Does it hurt to get sealants?
Having sealants placed is a totally pain-free procedure. The materials used to place sealants do have an unpleasant taste, but that does not last long. Soon after the procedure is over you will no longer experience that taste.
How long do sealants last?
The longevity of sealants varies per person. Sealants can last up to ten years or longer.
For more information or schedule an appointment for your child, please contact our office.