What if you could stop your child’s next cavity before it even starts, without a single drill or needle? It’s completely normal to feel anxious when you see those deep grooves in your child’s back teeth, wondering if they are just a ticking time bomb for decay. You want the best for your family, but the thought of painful procedures or mounting dental bills can be overwhelming.
Are dental sealants for molars painful?
There’s no drilling or numbing required because we only apply the protective coating to the surface of your tooth. It feels similar to having your teeth painted with a small brush, making it a gentle experience for both children and anxious adults.
What is the best age to get dental sealants?
Children should ideally get sealants as soon as their permanent molars emerge, which typically happens around age 6 and age 12. Protecting these teeth early is vital because the Australian Dental Association notes that most tooth decay in children occurs in the pits and fissures of back teeth. Applying sealants during these windows provides a shield before bacteria can cause damage.
Can adults get sealants on their molars?
Adults can certainly benefit from dental sealants for molars if their teeth are free from decay and existing fillings. While we often recommend them for kids, about 20 percent of adults also have deep grooves that are difficult to clean with a standard toothbrush. If your molars are healthy, this treatment offers an extra layer of protection against future cavities and costly restorative work.
Do dental sealants contain BPA?
Modern dental sealants are safe and typically don’t contain BPA as a direct ingredient. Research from various dental health organisations shows that the tiny amount of BPA exposure from sealants is 100 times lower than the amount of BPA we breathe in from the air every day.
What happens if a dental sealant falls off?
If a sealant falls off, the tooth simply returns to its original state and loses its extra protection against decay. We check the integrity of your sealants during every 6-month check-up to ensure they’re still bonded perfectly and providing maximum protection.
Can you still get a cavity with a dental sealant?
You can still get a cavity if the sealant chips or if decay starts on the sides of the tooth where the coating isn’t applied. Sealants reduce the risk of decay in the chewing surfaces by 80 percent, but they don’t replace the need for daily flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Regular dental visits help us catch any small issues before they become big problems.
How long does the sealant procedure take?
The entire procedure is very efficient and usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes per tooth. It’s a quick addition to a regular cleaning appointment that doesn’t require any recovery time. We clean the tooth, apply a special gel, wash it off, and then set the sealant material with a blue light, so you can eat and drink immediately after leaving the clinic.
This article is general information, not advice about your own teeth. Ask Dr Rourke at your appointment, or ring 02 6583 6111.