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What are Sealants?

A dental sealant (also called a pit and fissure sealant) is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the tooth after the tooth has been cleaned and rinsed. A plastic-like material is then “painted” in the nooks and crannies of the tooth and then hardened with a high-powered light called a curing light. Although time for the procedure varies from patient to patient, typically a sealant can be placed within 15 minutes per tooth and is an inexpensive safeguard to guard against cavities.

Sealants were developed in the 1950’s and first became commercially available in the early 1970’s. The American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics accepted the first sealant in 1972

Sealants provide a barrier so bacteria and sugars cannot penetrate the grooves of the teeth to create cavities. They are usually placed on back teeth (molars) and are a quick and comfortable procedure that protects your teeth for many years. Sealants can last typically five years and will be examined at each 6 month check up.

Generally sealants are placed on permanent first molars which erupt around the age of six, the second molars which erupt around age twelve, and many adults with deep grooves and a high risk for decay. Placing sealants on these teeth shortly after they erupt protects them from developing decay where food and bacteria collect. If sealants were routinely applied to “new” tooth surfaces in conjunction with the appropriate use of fluoride, most tooth decay in children could be prevented.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com