What are sealants?
Sealants are a safe and painless way or protecting your children’s teeth from
decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting
surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria
from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Which teeth should be sealed?
Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are
the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Your dentist will tell
you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the
fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally form with deep
grooves, which will need to be sealed, others with shallow ones will not need sealing.
What is involved?
The process is usually quick and straightforward taking only a few minutes per tooth.
The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid
sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining a bright blue
light onto it.
Will my child feel it?
No, it is totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.
How long do they last?
Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist will want to check them regularly
to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the
dentist needs to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start
underneath them.
How do they work?
The sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier, by covering all the little grooves and
dips in the surface of the tooth. Dental decay easily starts in these grooves.
When should this be done?
Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is
usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear
which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.
How much does it cost?
Do my children still have to clean their teeth?
Yes. It is still vital that they do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier
to keep clean
and healthy with normal toothbrushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to
protect your children’s teeth. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the
number of fillings your child might need.
Whom do I ask about the treatment?
If you would like to know more about the treatment, ask your dentist or hygienist. They
will tell you if fissure sealing will help your children’s teeth, and if it is the
right time to do it