Dental sealants are thin coatings of resin that are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). This resin can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for years by acting as a shield against food and germs in an effort to protect cavity-prone surfaces. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is an essential part of cavity prevention, but sometimes toothbrush bristles are too large to fit in these small pits that are protected with sealant. Preventing cavities is an important part of protecting your teeth and gums. If you are a parent, you will want to ensure your children have a dentist apply sealants to their teeth following the eruption. Sealants are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent cavities in early childhood.

Who Should Have Dental Sealants, and When Should They Be Done?

One of the best times to have sealants placed is before the bacteria can enter the molar grooves. For many children, this is typically around the age of 6. Some primary teeth can also benefit from sealants depending on the depth of their molar grooves. If a child’s teeth can’t be sealed immediately, they should be sealed within six years of eruption. The sealants can act as a protective barrier during the cavity-prone years of age 6-14. Adults without any decay or fillings in their molars are also good candidates for sealant placement.

How Long Does it Take? – Is it Worth It?

Treating a tooth with sealant will only take a few minutes per tooth and is an absolutely painless procedure. – Even the most anxious children will feel comfortable having sealants placed on their teeth. The process involves painting on a resin coating onto the tooth. The resin is then cured an ultraviolet light to harden it. Dental sealants have no effect on the function of molars, it just makes the surface feel smooth. The American dental association has analyzed long-term studies and concluded that dental sealants prevent cavities by up to 75% after a four year period in permanent teeth. Dental sealants can prevent cavities up to a whopping 96% in primary teeth. Of course, dental sealants are not permanent and will typically last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the individual patient.

Who Can I Talk To About Dental Sealants?

You can talk to a dentist or hygienist about having dental sealants placed on your child’s teeth. Not all children will require them, but it is worth discussing, especially if you live in an area with fluoridated water most insurance companies will cover the cost of sealants. If you are interested in Dental sealants, talk to us. At Midland Bay Dental, Dr. Ranny Sidhu and our team of dental professionals are here to help answer all of your questions and keep your teeth clean and healthy! If you would like to schedule a cleaning or a consultation for dental sealants, call us at 705- 526-6441 or book an appointment on our website.