Sealants
Sealants are most commonly recommended for kids just starting to get their permanent molars. Learn what benefits sealants have!
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Sealants are usually applied to the natural grooves and pits on chewing surfaces and sides of the back permanent teeth (premolars and molars). On average, kids will start to see their first permanent molars around age six, with the last premolars coming in around age 10 or 11. During this time they are learning to brush adequately and don’t always clean as well as they should. Sealants will keep debris and food from packing in these grooves helping avoid the potential for new cavities starting. It “seals” out the problem.
Is a sealant like a filling?
You can think of a sealant as a very simiple and easy filling. Sealants take only a few minutes to place and best of all, you don’t have to get numb! The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned first and then the sealant is ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. A special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last well into adulthood at which time they may fall out or wear away. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and recommend changes if needed.
Sealants are just for kids, right?
The likelihood of developing decay in pits and grooves begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well. Dr. Petersen is happy to answer any questions you might have in this regard, if interested feel free to ask at your next hygiene appointment.
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