Sealants

Sealants do exactly as their name promises-they seal the teeth and act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and settling on the pits and crevasses of teeth. You probably have many questions about sealants, so we'll do our best to answer them below:

What is a sealant?

It is a clear or shaded plastic material put on the chewing surface of the teeth. This sealant blocks food, plaque and acid from deteriorating the child's tooth.

Which teeth are generally sealed?

Pediatric dentists recommend sealing the eight permanent molars. More than 90% of decay occurs in the deep crevasses of the chewing surfaces of these molars.

When do children get sealants?

When teeth first emerge, the enamel is not completely hardened, and teeth are very susceptible to decay. Sealants should be applied as soon as the entire chewing surface of the molar is visible. The first set of permanent molars erupts around age six and the second set erupts around age twelve.

What does the tooth sealant application process entail?

  1. Cleaning and rinsing the tooth surface.
  2. Applying an etching solution or gel to the surface and grooves of the tooth.
  3. After fifteen seconds, the solution is rinsed away with water.
  4. The tooth is dried completely.
  5. The sealant material is applied and hardened using a special curing light.

How long to sealants last?

Sealants normally last about five years. Your dentist should always examine them at the regular check-up visits. But do be careful of your child eating foods that can crack sealants including chewing ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy.

Will my insurance cover sealants?

You'll need to check with your insurance provider, but most insurance do cover sealant costs because they understand that sealants help reduce future dental expenses and help avoid more costly and aggressive forms of treatments.

To find out more about sealants or to schedule an appointment for your child to have sealants applied, please call Stevenson Pediatric today, 801-938-7870.