Are Dental Sealants Effective?

What’s a dental sealant…  Dental sealants are resin based applications applied on the pits and fissures of posterior molars and deep lingual grooves of maxillary incisors.  It’s a preventative procedure that discourages the development of caries in susceptible areas in the mouth.  CAMBRA recommended.

Are pit and fissure sealants effective?  Sealants are placed on virgin teeth. However, they can be placed on teeth with incipient caries (teeth with small premature caries).  Sealants along with other supportive (preventative) procedures have been proven to be very effective against decay.  Supportive procedures like oral hygiene instructions, flossing, fluoride applications, recall appointments, and the application of sealants are all contributors to a caries free mouth.

Application of pit and fissure sealant(s)  Clean surface, rinse, and isolate  Acid etch (15-30 sec)

Application of pit and fissure sealant(s) continued  Sealant application on etched tooth surface  Light cure or allow to self polymerize

Final product  Adjust occlusion if necessary: slow speed hand- piece with a round white stone and articulating paper is recommended.

References Affairs, A. D. (2005, July 2). The Journal of the American Dental Association. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from The Journal of the American Dental Association: Kitchens, D. H. (2006, August 15). The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, Volume 6, No. 3, August 15, Retrieved November 1, 2008, from The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice: Strassler, H. E. (2008, November 18). Dentistry Today. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from Dentistry Today.com: