Pit and Fissure Sealants
What are Dental Sealants?
When Should My Child Get Sealants?
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
- Pit and fissure sealants are thin resin coatings that are applied to the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay.
- Tooth decay in children and young adults is most commonly found on the surfaces where sealants would be placed. Sealants protect these surfaces from tooth decay by keeping bacteria and food particles out of these grooves.
When Should My Child Get Sealants?
- Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in, before decay attacks the teeth.
- The first permanent molars, called 6 year molars, come in between the ages of 5 and 7.
- The second permanent molars, called 12 year molars, come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.
- Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed, such as premolar teeth or baby teeth if the child is susceptible to tooth decay.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
- Typically, dental sealants last up to ten years.
- Sealants should be checked at each dental visit to make sure they are not chipped or worn away.
- If necessary, the dental professional may repair a dental sealant by adding more sealant material.
How is a Sealant Placed on a Tooth?
1. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned.
2. The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it
stays dry and does not get contaminated with moisture.
3. A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface).
4. The tooth is rinsed and dried. New cotton is placed around the tooth so it stays dry.
5. The sealant is applied in liquid form and hardens in a few seconds with the use of a curing light.
6. The sealant is in place.
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wEe774H6cvQ/S_Kqe-docW1/AAAAAAAAAEA/D-g7QwCvhVM/s1600/sealant.jpg
2. The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it
stays dry and does not get contaminated with moisture.
3. A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface).
4. The tooth is rinsed and dried. New cotton is placed around the tooth so it stays dry.
5. The sealant is applied in liquid form and hardens in a few seconds with the use of a curing light.
6. The sealant is in place.
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wEe774H6cvQ/S_Kqe-docW1/AAAAAAAAAEA/D-g7QwCvhVM/s1600/sealant.jpg