Sealants on teeth? Does my child need them?

Sealants on teeth? Does my child need them?

Sealants are very effective and useful in preventing the caries and their implementation is easy and painless. They are applied on healthy teeth and save time and money in the long run.

What are sealants?

Sealants are thin coatings that are placed on the occlusal surfaces of massicratory teeth and so protect them from decay.

Why are the sealants applied?

Molars have uneven surfaces with pits and fissures (cracks) that are deep and difficult to clean with a toothbrush. There remain residues of food and create conditions for the development of caries. Fluoride helps prevent the caries but dental sealants provide additional protection by creating a smooth chewing surfaces that are cleaned easily.

Who needs sealants?

Because of the potential development of caries in fissures of permanent masecratory teeth after their eruption children and teens are the patients who are most often placed sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings on occlusal surfaces can also benefit from sealants.

When are the sealants placed?

The first sealant is placed usually in the fissures of the first permanent molar (sixth tooth) after occlusal surfaces of the tooth have completely erupted. This tooth grows behind the deciduous teeth. With the exception of the wisdom teeth, which appear much later, the eruption of the molars and premolars continues to 11-13 years of age and occlusal surfaces of these teeth can be sealed with sealants after becoming fully visible above the gum.

How are the sealants applied?

Application of sealants is a quick and painless process that only takes a few minutes. They are placed in the dental office and do not require removal of tooth structure. Once the tooth is carefully cleaned, dried and treated, in the most concave parts of occlusal tooth’s surface sealant is applied.

For how long can the sealants remain on the tooth?

They can remain on the teeth for five or more years, but must be checked at regular dental check-ups and can be changed, if necessary.

Should my child use a fluoride toothpaste, after it has sealants on its teeth?

Yes. Sealants protect only the surface on which they are placed. Fluoride helps to protect all surfaces of the teeth from caries.