Sealants

Sealants are thin, resin coatings applied to any deep grooves or pits present on the surface of teeth, making them smoother, easier to clean, therefore, more resistant to food and bacteria accumulation. They act as a barrier between the deep groove of the enamel on the teeth, and the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay.

Sealants have been introduced in the 1970s, they have been intensively tested in clinical trials and have proven to be safe and effective. They are invisible when you speak or smile.

Sealants cause a 50% reduction in the experience of decay on the chewing surfaces accounting for the majority of new lesions in younger population. The teeth at highest risk of decay are permanent (“adult”) molars, but any tooth including young child’s baby teeth, and permanent teeth other than molars may benefit from sealant application. It is best to apply sealants immediately after the teeth have come in (around the age of 6 and 12).

Application of sealants takes a couple of minutes per tooth. Neither freezing nor drilling is required. The tooth is first cleaned and air-dried then a special gel is applied to the tooth to help the sealant bond to the surface. After rinsing and drying, a sealant is placed only in the grooves, pits and fissures of the tooth. The material is then hardened with a curing light. Finally, the bite is checked, and adjusted if needed. The patient can rinse the mouth, eat or drink right after the procedure.

If properly maintained 80-90% of sealants last 10 or more years. A good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups may extend the life of a sealant.