Sealants are a special coating done on permanent tooth surfaces only to prevent against cavities. Permanent molars have deep pits and grooves in them, and it is very difficult to brush thoroughly to keep those areas free of plaque.  Hence by placing sealants on these deep pits and grooves the chewing surface of the tooth is now a smooth surface, which will prevent caries formation on the chewing surfaces of these permanent molars.

Sealants are most commonly recommended for all 6 year molars (First permanent molars) and 12 year molars (Second permanent molars).

For decades sealants have been successful in preventing caries on chewing surfaces. It is very important to place sealants when the teeth are brand new as they are more susceptible to decay.

 

Sealants are supposed to last a life time, but they do chip off sometimes due to normal grinding and wear tear !! Here at Kids Smiles we do offer a warranty on seals for 2 years – we do replace them if the they come off at no charge under the 2 years warranty !!

Although recent concerns have raised questions regarding BPA in sealants, the benefits of sealant weighs more than the risks. As clinicians at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, after placing a sealant we do rinse the tooth long enough to remove any residuals of BPA.

Please call our office today with any questions regarding sealants and we will be more than happy to explain to you the procedures of placing a sealant and any specials we might have going on sealants.

Also most insurances now have sealants as a covered benefit, so call us to find our if you are entitled to this great benefit that lasts a life time.

Dr.O’Riordan and Dr.Shah  here at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry  highly recommend sealants for all permanent molars to prevent against caries.

For more information on the evolution of sealants please click on the link below.

http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/2012/11_November/Features/The_Evolution_of_Sealants.aspx

 

 

 

 

 Courtesy : Google images