Sealants
http://www.drsklar.com/ptinfo/sealant.htm

• What Causes Decay?
• What Is A Sealant?
• Why Are Sealants Necessary?
• How Are Sealants Applied?
• Who Should Have Sealants Applied And When?
• Which Teeth Should Be Sealed?
• What About Baby Teeth?
• How Long Does Sealing Take?
• Will Insurance Cover Sealants?
• How Much Do Sealants Cost?
• What If A Small Cavity Is Accidentally Covered By A Sealant?
• How Long Do Sealants Last?

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What Causes Decay?
    Decay is caused by dental plaque, a thin, sticky colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth.  When sugar is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.  After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down, and a cavity (hole) is formed.

Before	After

What Is A Sealant?
    A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the grooves of teeth, where decay occurs most often.  This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay prone areas of the teeth from plaque germs.  Sealants are a safe, painless, and low-cost way to help protect your teeth from decay.  Sealants have been used for than 10 years.

Why Are Sealants Necessary?
    Many teeth have tiny grooves that form as they develops.  These are pits and fissures.  This is where most decay occurs.  That's because the bristles of a toothbrush can't get down into the grooves to remove the food and bacteria that get trapped there.  By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, and thus decrease the risk of decay.

How Are Sealants Applied?
1. The tooth is cleaned.
2. The tooth is dried, and cotton or other material is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
3. A solution is put on the tooth surface that makes the tooth a little rough.  (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough tooth).
4. The tooth is rinsed and dried.  Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
5. The sealant is applied in liquid form and is hardened by light in a seconds.
Who Should Have Sealants Applied And When?
    Although children receive significant benefits from sealants, adults can also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for sealants.  We can advise you about the need for sealants.

    Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in - before decay attacks the teeth.  Teenagers and adults without decay or fillings in the grooves of their teeth also may benefit from sealants.

• The first permanent molars -- called "6 year molars"-- come in between the ages of 5 and 7.
• The second permanent molars --"12 year molars"-- come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.
• The other teeth with pits and grooves -- called "premolars" or "bicuspids"-- right in front of the molars, also may benefit from sealants.

Which Teeth Should Be Sealed?
    Usually the molars and premolars are sealed; however, any tooth with a substantial groove that is not cleansable can benefit from a sealant.  Fluoride helps protect the smooth surfaces, but only sealants can keep food and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the teeth.
What About Baby Teeth?
    The baby molars often don't need to be sealed.  However, we may recommend sealing the baby molars if there is a high risk of decay.  Since baby teeth are "space holders", losing baby molars from decay can cause crowding when the permanent teeth come in.
How Long Does Sealing Take?
    Generally, all the back teeth can be sealed in one 30 to 60-minute office visit.

Will Insurance Cover Sealants?
    Many dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of sealants for children.  Check with your insurance company for details, because there are often age limits, even limits on which teeth may be covered.

How Much Do Sealants Cost?
    Sealing one tooth costs much less than filling one tooth.
What If A Small Cavity Is Accidentally Covered By A Sealant?
    The decay will not spread because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
    Sealants can last for many years, as much as 10 or more.  If they chip or come off, they can easily be replaced.  Any problems can be detected at your regular dental checkups.  As long as the sealants are in place, decay cannot develop in the grooves.  You can help the sealants last by not chewing on ice cubes or hard or sticky candy.

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Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC http://www.drsklar.com Family and General Dentistry 4901 Seminary Road, Suite 120 Alexandria, VA 22311 Tel: 703-931-3141 Fax:703-845-1512 email: office@drsklar.com

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