Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the United States Public Health Service endorses sealants as being effective in preventing pit and fissure caries which accounts for over 80% of active caries in children. However, these surfaces make up only 15% of the total tooth surfaces. Sealants must not be overlooked as another form of preventive dentistry, along with plaque control, fluoride therapy and sugar discipline.
What are sealants?
Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) — to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Although brushing and flossing are great ways to eliminate food particles from teeth surface and prevent tooth decay, they are not always enough. This is because the toothbrush is not always as effective in reaching the tiny grooves in the teeth – especially the back ones. Sealants lasts up to ten years so you’ll only have to check for wearing at each check-up.
How Sealants are applied
To apply sealants, we will clean and thoroughly dry the teeth. The chewing surfaces are covered with an acid solution that helps roughen the teeth which helps in bonding the sealant to the teeth. After drying, we will then paint on the sealant onto the enamel and allow it to bond directly onto the tooth and harden. Please contact us for further information on this topic.