Dental Sealants For Everyone, Experts' Group Says
April 16, 2008

by Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - Plastic sealants should be used on the back teeth of children and adults, and even on teeth in the early stages of decay, say new guidelines. The guidelines were released last month by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Sealants have been used for more than 30 years, but this is the first document that tells dentists when to use them.

A sealant is a thin layer of plastic. It is placed on the chewing surface of a back tooth, or molar, in liquid form. It hardens in a few seconds.

Sealants cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per tooth. They may need to be reapplied or repaired, but most will last for 15 years or more.

Almost all cavities in children are on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants are good at preventing these cavities, but most kids don't get their teeth sealed.

The U.S. government has said that by the year 2010, half of all children should have sealants on their molars. Right now, less than one-third of children have them.

Sealants reduce cavities by about 85% after the first year, 80% after two years, and 60% after four years.

They also say that when a molar is sealed, it's less likely to ever need a filling. If it does need a filling, the cavity is usually smaller than it would be if the tooth was never sealed.

The group recommended that dentists place sealants on teeth that are at high risk for cavities. Baby (primary) molars may be sealed, as well as permanent molars. Sealants can be placed in children, teenagers, and adults.

The group also says that sealants can be put on molars that have signs of early tooth decay. In the past, dentists weren't sure if they should seal these molars or not.

The guidelines also tell dentists the best techniques and materials to use when they place sealants. They are published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.