SEALANTS Sealants are products of dental research which have been shown to be effective in protecting the pits and fissures of molar teeth without harming the enamel or making any changes in the oral cavity. They exert their strongest influence on the rougher biting surfaces of the teeth and are usually applied twice; once when the permanent first molars erupt at age 6-7 and again when the second permanent molars erupt at age 12-13. This is especially important because the chewing surfaces of these first and second molars are quite vulnerable to decay. They are applied by cleaning the teeth with a special conditioning solution, the tooth is dried and the sealant applied. The sealant is painted onto the biting surface of the molar and an ultraviolet light is used to harden the material. As the sealant hardens it bonds to the enamel surface and becomes a permanent barrier to food, debris and decay. The application of sealants can reduce decay for molar and premolar teeth by as much as 60%. Placement of sealants is easier, quicker and less expensive than filling a tooth, and the longevity of sealants compares favorably with other conventional restorative materials. Things to do: You are allowed to eat and drink after your sealant appointment Please continue to brush and floss your teeth When you close your teeth together, they will feel a little strange for a short time, but this feeling will go away Things not to do: DO NOT chew gum or candy for 24 hours DO NOT chew any sticky, hard or crunchy foods for 24 hours NEVER, EVER, CHEW ICE!!!! Sealants have been clinically proven to be one of the most effective methods of preventing decay. Should the sealant fail and a restorative procedure becomes necessary, a full refund for the cost of the sealant will be allowed toward the cost of the restorative procedure if the patient has been seen on a regular basis. |
|
John P. Youngman, D.D.S. |
|
|
Dentistry for Children |
727-384-9393 T-W-THU |
