Cavity Preventing Sealants
What are Sealants?
Sealants are an essential decay preventing dental treatment that protects teeth from cavities on the chewing surface. A thin layer of a white or tooth-colored resin material is placed in the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of permanent molar teeth. This prevents food and bacteria from sticking into the deep grooves and pits of the teeth.
Why are Sealants Needed?
Sealants are one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to prevent decay on chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants can be placed for all patients, but the focus is usually on young children and teenagers who are most prone to developing cavities. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), pits and fissures account for 88% of all childhood cavities. Additionally, the average cost of placing a sealant is less than one third the cost of filling a cavity.
How are Sealants Applied?
Sealants are very easy to apply. The teeth to be sealed are cleaned. The chewing surface is cleaned by a conditioner to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is painted on to the grooved areas where the sealant hardens with the help of a curing light. The procedure is quick, painless, and takes about a minute per tooth to complete.
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