Dental sealant is a thin protective coating that is placed on the permanent back teeth and helps protect them from bacteria and plaque—the two main causes of tooth decay. Painted on the chewing surface of the teeth, the sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves, acting as a protective layer and shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Statistics show that approximately 80% of tooth decay in school children occurs in molars’ pits and fissures (or grooves)—areas that are often difficult to clean thoroughly. Applying a sealant as early as the permanent molars come in is a very effective and proven way of preventing tooth decay. When dental sealant bonds into the groove of the tooth, it makes the tooth surface smoother and easier to brush, thus more resistant to the formation of decay.
In addition to the premolars and molars—the back teeth which have the deepest grooves—any type of tooth with irregular surface that allows for accumulation of debris may be sealed. The best candidates for dental sealants are children and teenagers, however adults with a minimal tooth decay can also greatly benefit from the procedure.
Applying sealant is a painless and simple procedure and may be covered by some insurance providers. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. How long a sealant lasts depends on the temperature, the type of food a child eats and how they chew. Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary.
Removing dental sealants is not necessary as they wear away over time, and then new sealants can be applied. What kind of dental sealant material is used? The majority of dental sealants are made with liquid resin and the ADA confirms that they are safe. There has been concern, however, that most dental sealants contribute to a very low BPA (bisphenol) exposure for a few hours after the dental sealant procedure. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry compiled the following list of BPA-free dental sealants and the manufacturer, and parents can request Bisphenol-A (BPA)-free dental sealant material when taking their child to the dentist or check with their dental provider.
BPA-free dental sealants (manufacturer):
Aegis (Bosworth)
Clinpro (3M ESPE)
Conseal F (Southern Dental Industries)
Conseal Sealant (Southern Dental Industries)
Delton Light Cure (Dentsply Professional)
Delton (Dentsply Professional)
Ecuseal (Zenith)
Embrace Wet Bond (Pulpdent Corporation)
Fluroshield (Dentsply Caulk)
Fuji Triage Glass Ionomer (GC America, Inc.)
Guardian Seal (Kerr Corp.)
Helioseal F (Vivadent)
Helioseal (Ivoclar Vivadent)
LC (Dentonics)
Natural Elegance (Henry Schein Inc.)
Pit & Fissure Sealant Kit (Carlisle)
Prisma-Shield (Dentsply)
Riva Protect Glass Ionomer (Southern Dental Industries) Sealant (Bisco)
Seal-Rite (Pulpdent)
UltraSeal XT plus (Ultradent Products, Inc.).
