Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent tooth decay. Usually applied to the back teeth (the premolars and molars), the sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Are Dental Sealants Necessary?
Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and food.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Children and teens are good candidates for sealants, as their premolars and molars are more likely to develop decay in the depressions and grooves. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child's baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it's important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost too early.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying sealant is a simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. The application steps are as follows:
- First, the teeth that are to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
- Each tooth is then dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
- Sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes, a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental checkups. Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary.
It is also possible for decay to get under a sealant that is starting to wear out. Your dentist can detect these areas with the help of dental X-rays. They can offer the proper treatment, such as a new sealant or a small filling, before the problem worsens.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Sealants?
Many insurance companies cover the cost of dental sealants but usually only for patients younger than 18. Check with your dental insurance carrier to figure out if dental sealants for adults are covered under your plan.
Dental Sealants FAQs
How much do dental sealants cost?
The average cost of dental sealant per tooth is about $30-$40, but it can depend on your location and insurance type. In some states, Medicaid covers dental sealants.
What are the downsides of dental sealants?
The downsides of sealants include that they have to be checked on regularly, and there's a risk of tooth decay. Dental sealants also contain bisphenol A (or BPA), although at a very low level; however, the American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that the BPA in sealants is safe.
What is the success rate of dental sealants?
The ADA states that sealants can lessen the risk of tooth decay by up to 75%. Another report estimated the effectiveness between 11% and 51%.
Can you still get cavities with sealants?
Sealants can prevent cavities, but they don't completely remove the risk of tooth decay. If they're not properly done, sealants can seal in bacteria and actually cause cavities.
Why don't dentists put sealant on adults?
A dentist might recommend dental sealants for adults who have no fillings or sealants and are at risk for tooth decay.
