Dental Sealants
Dental Services by Michael J. Spitzer, DDS
About Dental Sealants
Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.
Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.
Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first and second molars.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are coatings made from dental resin, plastic or ceramic. The sealants cover and protect the teeth from food particles and harmful acids that settle into the deep grooves and crevices of the teeth, particularly the molars. By reducing the depth of grooves and covering the teeth, dental sealants effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
The Centers for Disease Control says dental sealants can decrease tooth decay risk by approximately 80% for 2 years after application and 50% over the next 4 years. Although they can help patients of any age, Dr. Spritzer highly recommends dental sealants for school-aged children when their molars come in.
How are dental sealants applied?
Fortunately, dental sealants are applied quickly and painlessly.
Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.
Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child`s regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, but still minimal. Many dentists expect this trend to change as insurers become more convinced that sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes. The ADA recommends dental sealants as one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities.
If you are looking for a dentist in Costa Mesa who provides dental sealants, schedule an appointment at the office of Dr. Michael J. Spitzer today. His expertise and compassionate chairside manner helps patients feel at ease and confident during preventative or restorative dental procedures.
A healthy, confident smile starts here.
Address
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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Phone & Fax
(949) 642-2019 fax