Who’s a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children once their permanent molars have erupted, around ages 6-7 for the first molars and 11-13 for the second molars. However, adults with deep grooves or pits in their teeth can also benefit from sealants if they are prone to cavities. Candidates should have good oral health overall, with no existing decay in the areas being sealed.
At The Foleck Center, Dr. Foleck will examine your child’s teeth and provide a recommendation on whether sealants are advisable based on their unique dental anatomy and cavity risk factors. Sealants may not be suitable for those with significant orthodontic work or pre-existing fillings on the same teeth. An evaluation is required to determine if sealants are the right preventive solution.
Dental Sealants Process
Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless process that only takes a few minutes per tooth. First, the tooth is cleaned and dried. An acidic gel solution is applied briefly to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. After rinsing off the gel, the tooth is dried again completely.
Next, the liquid sealant material is painted directly onto the chewing surface in a thin layer. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant, creating a protective seal. Once set, the sealant forms a smooth covering over the natural grooves and pits, shielding those areas from food and bacteria.
Your child can eat and drink normally right after getting sealants. The hardened plastic resin material is completely comfortable in the mouth. No anesthesia or drilling is required during this preventive treatment.
After Care Tips
While sealants act as a strong barrier against cavities, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily and flossing. Sealants only protect the chewing surfaces – the sides of teeth remain vulnerable to decay.
During routine dental visits at The Foleck Center, Dr. Foleck will check the integrity of existing sealants. Over time, they can become worn or develop chips or cracks, which may allow bacteria to penetrate. In these cases, the sealant can simply be reapplied to restore optimal protection.
Avoiding sticky, chewy foods that could potentially dislodge a sealant is also advisable. If you notice that a sealant has come off or is damaged, contact our office right away to have it repaired or replaced promptly. With proper care, sealants provide long-lasting defense against cavities for your child’s developing teeth.
