Dental Sealants Are Thin Plastic Coatings That Are Applied To The Grooves On The Chewing Surfaces Of The Back Teeth To Protect Them From Tooth Decay.
Are Dental Sealants Just For Children?
No they are even done on young adults aged 13-18. However adults can benefit from sealants too.
Dental sealants, also known as fissure sealants, are used to fill cavities and reduce tooth decay. Sealants are usually placed on the top of molar and pre-molar teeth surfaces since the natural shape of these types of teeth are more susceptible to plaque build up.
Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay.
Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.
Sealants can only be seen up close. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when a child talks or smiles.
As with anything new that is placed in the mouth, a child may feel the sealant with the tongue. Sealants, however, are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves of molar teeth.
A sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked at each regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.