A dental sealant is a thin liquid resin (or plastic-like) film painted in the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (generally first and second molars). These pits and grooves are  susceptible to decay because the microscopic bacteria get deep in the pits and are difficult to completely clean out. Over time these pits and grooves can decay and must be restored by some type of filling. Sealants are a preventative technique that has been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities in these pits and grooves. Sealants have been placed since the early 1970’s.
Scientific studies have proven that properly applied sealants are almost 100% effective in protecting the most susceptible tooth surfaces from decay. Because sealants act as a physical barrier to decay, protection is determined by the sealants' ability to adhere to the tooth. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavity progression when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes the cavity.

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 of the tooth. After 15 seconds, the gel is thoroughly rinsed away with water. This "etching/conditioning process" creates "microscopic irregularities" in the enamel of the treated area. The area being treated is kept completely dry as the sealant material is applied and allowed to flow into these "irregularities". Then the sealant material is hardened or cured by a special curing light. Those special "irregularities" create millions of undercuts that "lock or bond" the sealant to the tooth. The tooth is not damaged in the process and is actually protected. Sealant treatment is painless and can take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes depending on how many teeth need to be sealed. When properly applied sealants should last 5 years, but can last as long as 10 years. Sealants should not be considered permanent. The sealants plastic surface wears slowly from the grinding and chewing of food. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the sealants' bond to the tooth.

Children receive the greatest benefit from sealants because they have newly erupted permanent teeth, which should be sealed before the teeth are allowed to be attacked by bacterial acids.

The chewing surfaces of a child's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and the least benefited by flouride. Surveys show that approximately 2/3 of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's posterior teeth simply because food particles and bacteria cannot be cleaned out effectively enough. Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of back teeth.

Are dental sealants covered by dental insurance?

Although insurance benefits for sealant procedures have increased considerably, coverage is still minimal. The trend is toward better coverage for sealants, especially as dental insurance companies start to realize that sealants are a proven preventative technique. This preventative measure can help keep the teeth much healthier, can help reduce future dental expenses, and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.