Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Why the grooves matter
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have small pits and grooves. Some are so narrow that plaque stays in them even with good brushing, and that’s often where decay starts. A sealant covers those grooves with a thin coating so the surface is easier to keep clean. Before sealing, Dr. Samreen checks that the tooth is suitable and doesn’t need a different treatment for decay.
Which teeth, and when
We look at the shape of the grooves, your child’s risk of decay and how far the tooth has come through. New adult back teeth are often checked for sealants, but age alone doesn’t decide it. A tooth that’s only partly through is harder to keep dry, so we may wait a little or choose a different material.
What happens at the appointment
We clean the tooth and prepare the surface, then apply the coating. Dr. Samreen checks that it covers the right area and doesn’t get in the way when your child bites. This is different from preparing a cavity for a filling, and we’ll tell you clearly which of the two we’re doing on each tooth.
Checking it over time
Sealants can wear down or partly come off, and you won’t always notice. We check them at each visit and repair or replace them when needed. Keep up brushing and cleaning between the teeth, because a sealant only protects the chewing groove. The sides of the tooth still need the same care as before.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about pit and fissure sealants
Can a sealant just go over a cavity?
Not simply. Dr. Samreen checks how deep the problem goes first. If the tooth needs a filling, we plan that properly rather than hiding it under a coating.
Will my child know if the sealant wears off?
Not always. That’s one reason to keep coming for checkups even when the tooth feels fine.
How long does a sealant last?
It varies from child to child, depending on chewing and habits. That’s why we check them at every visit rather than assuming they’re still intact.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: ADA: sealants. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.