Dental Sealants - Are they right for you?

When done well, sealants have been shown to last as long as 5 to 10 years.  But as in the case with all oral health treatment plans, it is key to have sealants checked on a regular basis.  Dental sealants are basically thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect from decay.  These sealants protect the chewing surfaces by keeping germs and food particles out of the grooves.  If they are found not to be in place, they can be reapplied to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Matthew Messina, DDS, Consumer Advisor for the American Dental Association, said sealants have their place in caring for patients who are at risk for caries.

According to the ADA children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants since the likelihood of developing caries in pits and fissures begins at a young age.  But that's not to say older patients can't be protected by them.

The most critical step in placement of a sealant is to maintain isolation of the tooth.  The area has to be dry in order for the sealant to bond properly and ensure the longevity of it.

The other critical factor is the cleanliness of the surface.  Our office always pumices the teeth prior to etching and placement of the sealant in order to ensure the tooth is clean and we get maximum retention of the sealant to the tooth surface.  If not properly cleaned or bonded to the tooth, the sealant may fail and decay can easily leak under and into the grooves causing an increased risk of dental decay.

When done well and when checked on a regular basis, selants do just what they're intended to do -- that is they act as a barrier in protecting enamel from plaque and acids.  I recommend that all individuals with a risk of caries young and old have sealants placed on teeth that do not have any decay.