Chesterfield Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Articles of Interest : Sealants
Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Communities
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and pre-molars). Studies have proven that properly applied sealants are extremely effective in protecting the chewing surface of teeth from dental decay. Sealants act as a physical barrier to decay, and protection is determined by the sealant's ability to adhere to the tooth.
Sealants are considered to be preventive dental treatment. Once a tooth has decay, the decay must be removed and a filling placed to repair the tooth. Sealant treatment is easy, painless, requires no anesthetic and takes only a few minutes per tooth to complete.
Sealants
are commonly recommended for the in-coming permanent teeth of
children. The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are the most
frequent sites to get your first cavity. Studies show that approximately
65% of all decay occurs in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's
newly erupted permanent teeth, because food particles and bacteria
cannot be cleaned from those grooves. However, all patients, regardless
of age, can benefit from the protective benefits of sealants.
As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause decay cannot penetrate through or around the sealant. Sealants should not be considered permanent. Sealant longevity is typically 5-7 years, but is influenced by a patient's personal chewing habits. Sticky foods such as chewing gum, certain candies and crunching ice can cause the premature breakdown of sealants.
If you have any questions about sealants, Dr. Boyle will be happy to discuss them with you.
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