Stated simply, a sealant is a protective plastic coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth (molars and pre-molars). Sealants are generally only applied on permanent or adult teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Below is a photo of the "grooves" in a permanent tooth.
According to national estimates, by 17 years of age, 78% of children in the United States have experienced caries (ie, cavities). As much as 90% of all caries in school-aged children occurs in pits and fissures.
You may be now asking yourself what is a pit or a fissure? A pit or a fissure are the "dips and grooves" in the tooth which may predispose stagnation of food and microbes. Stagnation of food occurs during eating or drinking when the substance fails to dislodge or to be physically removed through brushing and flossing of the teeth.
Click here for a cool animation of how sealants are applied.
Click here for a cool animation of how sealants are applied.
Sealants are totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards. Sealants generally last for many years, but we will want to check them regularly to make sure that the "seal" is still intact. Sealants can wear over time, and sometimes it may be necessary to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.
The teeth at highest risk by far are permanent first and second molars. Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.
Most insurance companies provide coverage for sealants on permanent molars. If you would like to know if your child is a candidate for sealants, please feel free to schedule an examination at Growing Smiles. You can reach a team member at 785.856.5600.
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