Dental Sealants - What are they?

Dental sealants are a protective plastic coating applied to the back teeth that protect against the decaying effects of bacteria in the mouth.

How do Dental Sealants Work?

Back teeth have irregular surfaces which make them ideal for chewing and grinding. However, back teeth often have pits and fissures (deep grooves), which are susceptible to decay causing bacteria. Bacteria is the leading cause of tooth decay. Sealants are used to fill in the deep grooves of the teeth by placing a protective barrier between the tooth and bacteria, to prevent decay, which can lead to the need of filling cavities.

Does Your Child Need Dental Sealant?

With the use of fluorides on the rise since the early 70's, smooth surface decay has dramatically decreased in children. However, decay caused by bacteria in fissures and pits continues to be a major cause of cavities. Dental sealants have been proven to be be effective in the fight against this type of decay.

Best of all, Smile Quest Dental will stand behind our sealants for life!*

Timing Your Child's Dental Sealant Application

There are two periods of development when your child can most benefit from dental sealants. The first is at around the age of six or seven when their first permanent molars begin to appear. When these molars appear, it is time to have the first sealants applied.

The second period of development is when your child reaches the age of twelve or thirteen. This is when their second permanent molars begin to appear. Sealants should be applied at this time as well.

Dental Sealants vs. Fluoride

It is a common misconception that if a child has dental sealants applied, they no longer need to have fluoride treatments, use toothpaste with fluoride or don’t have to ever worry about cavities in that tooth in the future. This is incorrect. Fluoride should be used in tandem with dental sealants to provide the most protection possible. Flossing daily must continue to be part of a daily oral health routine since sealants only protect the biting surface of the teeth, not the surfaces between the teeth. When dental sealants, fluoride and regular flossing and brushing routines are applied, your child should emerge into adulthood with little or no tooth decay.

A Final Word About Dental Sealants

Although the greatest benefit from sealants and fluoride can be achieved by using them in childhood, there are situations where adults can benefit from them. To learn more, call us today for a checkup.

*Patients are automatically entered into our Star Patient Program when Smile Quest Dental has placed dental sealants AND that patient maintains his/her regular 6 month cleaning appointments. The Star Patient Program includes: Lifetime Whitening Gel, Lifetime Warranty on CEREC Restorations and Lifetime Warranty on Dental Sealants