Sealants

DENTAL SEALANTS
AT SCHUMACHER & BAUER, DDS

Quick facts about dental sealants:

• Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.
• According to the Center of Disease Control “school-age children without dental sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”

What are sealants?

Sealants are a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they make the teeth easier to clean and more likely to resist tooth decay.

Why do we recommend dental sealants?

Because kids don’t always have the capacity to take the best care of their teeth on their own, we recommend that children have sealants placed to help fight against tooth decay.

Who can get sealants?

Both children and adults can get dental sealants, but the earlier you place a sealant, the better success you will have. Around age six is when the first molars erupt, and around age 12 is when the second molars come in. Sealing them as soon as they come in gives you the best chance of staying cavity-free.

Is applying sealants painful?

Applying sealants is a quick and painless process. No shots! No drills! The hygienist can apply them during your preventive cleaning appointment so no extra time or effort is taken out of your day.