Patient Library
Dental Sealants
~Long-term protection without detection
People with numerous pits and grooves in their teeth, and children with newly erupted permanent teeth, are particularly susceptible to cavities. In such cases, decay can often be significantly reduced or entirely prevented by application of a thin plastic film known as a dental sealant. For nearly 30 years, such sealants have been successfully used to protect molar and premolar chewing surfaces from decay. Since 1972, sealants have been recognized by the American Dental Association as a means of cavity prevention.
Preparation & Application
Sealant application is a fairly simple procedure. First, the teeth are prepared for the sealant application via a specialized cleaning agent and brief exposure to an 'etching' solution. After the etching solution has remained on the teeth enamel surfaces for 15 seconds, it's thoroughly rinsed away with water and allowed to dry completely. Secondly, the teeth surfaces are coated with the sealant material, which is hardened via a special curing light. For best results and lengthy protection, it's important to do these steps carefully. Even so, this painless procedure takes as little as five to 45 minutes, depending on the number of teeth undergoing sealing.
Effectiveness & Durability
When properly applied to ensure maximum adherence, dental sealants have been proven to be 100 percent effective in preventing tooth surface decay and the resulting cavities. While intact, sealants actually create an impenetrable physical barrier for small food particles and cavity-causing bacteria. In fact, sealants can even stop an existing decay process from continuing, by cutting of the bacteria's nutrient supply. However, if at any time the sealant-tooth bond is broken, sealant protection is reduced or lost entirely.
Unbroken, sealants typically last at least five years; in some cases, they may last up to 10 years. For example, one study reported that 49 percent of one patient's treated teeth were still protected after seven years. However, it's important to have regular dental check-ups to monitor the bond between the teeth and the sealant.
Cost & Insurance
Typically, insurance coverage for sealant procedures is minimal. However, it has increased over the years, and trends show an expansion in coverage in this area due to the technique's value as a preventive measure that helps reduce future dental costs associated with more aggressive forms of treatment.