Dental sealants

Dental sealants are a thin resin coating that dentists apply to the back teeth, the molars and premolars. Sealants are applied to help prevent cavities.

Why Sealants are Used

The grooves on the top of molars and premolars are deep and hard to clean with a toothbrush. Bacteria can build up in the grooves and cause cavities.

Dental sealants can help:

• Keep food, acids, and plaque from sitting in the grooves of the molars and premolars
• Prevent decay and cavities
• Save time, money, and the discomfort of getting a filling

Children are most at risk for cavities on molars. Sealants can help protect permanent molars. Permanent molars come in when children are about 6 years old and then again when they are 12 years old. Getting sealants soon after the molars have come in will help protect them from cavities.

Adults who do not have cavities or decay on their molars can also get sealants.

Sealants last about 5 to 10 years. Your dentist should check them at each visit in case a sealant needs to be replaced.

How Dental Sealants are Applied

Your dentist applies sealants on the molars in a few quick steps. There is no drilling or scraping of the molars. Your dentist will:

• Clean the tops of the molars and premolars.
• Put a conditioning acid gel on the top of the molar for a few seconds.
• Rinse and dry the tooth surface.
• Paint the sealant into the grooves of the tooth.
• Shine a light on the sealant to help it dry and harden. This takes about 10 to 30 seconds.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Ask your dental office about the cost of dental sealants. The cost of dental sealants is usually priced per tooth.

• Check with your insurance plan to see if the cost of sealants is covered. Many plans cover sealants.
• Some plans have limits on coverage. For example, sealants may be covered only up to a certain age.

When to Call the Doctor

You should call the dentist if you:

• Feel that your bite is not right
• Lose your sealant