Bacteria love to find all the nooks and crannies in teeth, especially in the back teeth used to chew. In addition to brushing and flossing, dental sealants provide another layer of protection. This thin plastic coating fills and adheres to the chewing surface of the teeth to help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Our staff can discuss the procedure and answer any questions. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Understanding dental sealants
While brushing and flossing are integral to maintaining oral health and preventing cavities, some teeth have uneven surfaces that can be difficult to clean. Dental sealants are a beneficial addition to a comprehensive cavity management approach. These thin plastic coatings cover the surfaces of children's teeth and act as a protective barrier against debris, acid, and plaque.
Although dental sealants are not a replacement for a good oral hygiene routine, they can stop cavities from forming and even prevent early dental decay stages from developing into a cavity. The application of dental sealants can protect patients against 80% of cavities for two years and protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sealants are a quick and painless preventative measure to protect children's oral health and prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
“Although dental sealants are not a replacement for a good oral hygiene routine, they can stop cavities from forming and even prevent early dental decay stages from developing into a cavity.”
The right age for dental sealants
Children and adults can both benefit from dental sealants. However, the earlier a patient gets dental sealants, the better. Patients can receive dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars erupt. The first set of molars typically erupt around age six or seven, while the second set usually comes around age 12 or 13.
We recommend sealing these teeth as quickly as possible to help teeth remain cavity-free from the beginning. While dental sealants are usually best for permanent molars and premolars, some baby teeth may also benefit from sealants. Baby teeth with many grooves are more susceptible to decay and may require dental sealants to protect them from decay and premature tooth loss.
“Patients can receive dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars erupt.”
The advantages and disadvantages
In addition to their protective properties, dental sealants have longevity and durability. Research has shown they prevent 80% of cavities for two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Sealants can even stay in the mouth for as long as nine years.
There are some disadvantages. Children may need to have sealants reapplied if they fall out, chip, or wear away. Dental sealants can get chipped or worn when a patient bites into hard food or eats too much food with high acidic content. It's best to keep a close eye on what a child with sealants consumes, especially right after the sealant is applied. A patient's bite can feel slightly off after application due to the extra layer on the tooth, but this is temporary. During a regular dental visit, we will check the sealant's condition and reapply them as needed. Sealants need to be monitored and maintained during routine visits to ensure they do not wear away.
“In addition to their protective properties, dental sealants have longevity and durability.”
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The procedure used to apply dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the teeth are cleaned and dried. We will then apply an acidic gel to the tooth surface to help create a strong bond between the tooth and the sealant. Once the gel is rinsed off and the teeth dried again, the sealant is applied to the grooves of the chewing surface. A special curing light hardens the sealant onto the tooth.
We will also check the surface for any problems. If any issues are present, the sealant may be touched up or reapplied. Then we will rinse the newly sealed teeth clean. There are no known side effects from the procedure and no eating or drinking restrictions after treatment.
“The procedure used to apply dental sealants is quick and painless.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental sealants?
Q. How are dental sealants applied?
Q. What does it feel like after sealants are applied?
Q. The key to understanding dental sealants?
Q. What's the right age to get sealants?
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The post-sealant experience
There may be some slight discomfort when the sealants are first applied as the child gets used to having an additional layer of material on their back teeth. Some children complain of a feeling of not being able to fit their back teeth together. The thin film will feel like it's a part of the actual tooth within a day or so.
Other reactions include complaining of an odd taste immediately after sealant application. Usually, a good rinse or a sip of a flavored drink will help eliminate the taste. Our team will help address any issues or concerns after the sealants are applied.
“There may be some slight discomfort when the sealants are first applied as the child gets used to having an additional layer of material on their back teeth.”
Frequently asked questions
Dental sealants are safe and effective for patients. While some people may be concerned about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), the amount is so minimal that there is no health concern. Patients get more exposure from food, drinks, sunscreen, and cosmetics.
Getting a dental sealant does not hurt. Patients may notice the dental sealants on their teeth at first. However, this is temporary as people will adapt to the new feeling and not notice them anymore.
Brushing and flossing remain important even when sealants are present. We also recommend that patients avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods and snacks. Patients with sealants should also have regular dental check-ups to ensure that they are still effective and do not need replacing.
No. The only known side effect associated with dental sealants is an allergic reaction to the sealant material. This allergy is not common, but patients can have an allergy test beforehand as a precaution.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that help smooth out the rough surfaces of back teeth. They can be clear, tinted, or white. While sealants can be visible on teeth, they are not usually visible since they are at the back of the mouth.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.