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August 10, 2008

By Kaneta R. Lott, DDS

What if there was a dental procedure that prevented decay even when the tooth begins to chip or crack? Would you get in line for this treatment? If the answer is yes, then you should be calling your child's pediatric dentist immediately. There is a treatment that is guaranteed to do just that. It is called dental sealants (pit and fissure sealants to be more descriptive).

What are sealants?

Sealants are liquid plastic solutions that come in clear or tooth-colored shades to help keep the teeth cavity-free. This liquid is allowed to harden or is hardened with a special light. Once it hardens, it attaches to the tooth due to chemical bonding. This bonding is very strong.

How do sealants work?

All back teeth naturally have grooves and pits in their chewing surfaces. Sealants are equivalent to a varnish that you place on wood to keep dirt and debris from getting into the grain. The wood varnish makes the surface of the wood smooth. That is the same action that is provided by dental sealants for the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Which teeth should be sealed?

The most commonly sealed teeth are the permanent molars, usually the last set of teeth in the mouth. These teeth have many grooves and pits into which bacteria and debris will get packed. The next most common set of teeth is the premolars (the teeth that come into the mouth between age 10 and 13 years). The primary molars that show deep grooves are also candidates for sealants as well as a rare front tooth that exhibits a groove on the tongue side. Simply put, any tooth that has grooves or pits may benefit from the protection that sealants provide.

How early can the teeth be sealed?

The first permanent molars come into the mouth around age 6. These teeth are very susceptible to decay. These teeth should be sealed as soon as they have fully erupted into the mouth. The second permanent molars erupt during the 12th year of life. However, do not wait until they are all in the mouth. Each tooth should be sealed as soon as possible.

How are sealants done?

The tooth does not have to be anesthetized. The tooth is cleaned. A tooth conditioner is placed on the tooth and rinsed off. The sealant liquid is flowed into the grooves and pits and allowed to harden. This process "seals out" food and plaque, thus decreasing the risk of tooth decay. Your child can continue with his or her regular daily schedule or return to school. Your child can even eat as soon as he or she leaves the office.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants last throughout the cavity-prone years, if properly cared for. This means that your child should brush and floss as directed and refrain from chewing on hard objects. Also, regular visits to your dentist will help to maintain or repair them as needed.

How much does it cost and does the insurance company pay for it?

The treatment is very affordable. However, in light of the decay prevention that it provides, the benefit is immeasurable. Most dental insurance companies cover sealants. Check with your benefits coordinator about the specific coverage.

Many offices will replace and repair sealants that show signs of wear at no charge to the patient. Is that the type of guarantee that you are looking for? Pediatric dentists have been providing this service for their patients for the last 30 years. Because pediatric dentists are committed to this preventive procedure, legislation was developed to allow dental hygienists and trained dental assistants to apply dental sealants. The additional providers help to guarantee that we service each child who needs this vital procedure.

Dr. Kaneta Lott is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a fellow of the American College of Dentists. She is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia and serves as a consultant for the Georgia Board of Dentistry. She is a member of the Georgia Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and various other professional organizations. She lectures nationally on pediatric dentistry, dental traumatology, and practice management. Dr. Lott maintains a private practice limited to pediatric dentistry in Southwest Atlanta and can be reached at (404) 349-7777 or LottSeminars@yahoo.com.

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