The Many Benefits of Dental Sealants for Preventing Cavities

Dental sealants are thinner than enamel but form a protective barrier that shields vulnerable tooth surfaces. Clinical studies consistently show that properly applied sealants reduce decay by over 80% on teeth where they are placed. 

As dental professionals know first-hand the importance of preventing cavities and protecting teeth is very high. One of the most effective yet underutilized tools is the dental sealant. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth, like premolars and molars, that create a protective barrier. This seals out the plaque and food particles that can lead to cavities, especially in the tiny pits and grooves of these teeth.

The chewing surfaces of premolars and molars contain numerous tiny grooves and depressions between the raised ridges. It is in these difficult to clean spaces where dental plaque containing cavity-causing bacteria can get trapped. When combined with sugar from food and drinks, this plaque produces acid that can demineralize tooth enamel over time and lead to cavities.

Dental sealants work by covering the grooves and depressions like a shield, preventing plaque, food, and bacteria from getting inside. This physical barrier blocks the access points so that acids cannot weaken and demineralize the underlying dental enamel. Properly placed sealants completely cover the tooth structure, adhering smoothly with the raised biting surfaces to form a protective coating.

Clinical studies and reviews have found dental sealants to be highly effective at preventing cavities, especially in children and adolescents. According to the CDC, properly placed and maintained sealants can reduce cavity formation by over 80% on the chewing surfaces of molars. Some key findings on dental sealant effectiveness include:

• Sealants significantly reduced new carious lesions on both dentin and enamel compared to unsealed teeth after 4 years.
• Posterior occlusal surfaces sealed with resin-based sealants had a 83% reduction in new caries after 5 years.
• Children with high-caries-risk who received sealants had 70–90% less new caries compared to those without sealants.
• Dental sealants were 76% effective overall at preventing occlusal decay in a review of 39 clinical trials.

Thanks to their success rate in the months and years following application, dental sealants provide substantial return on investment and save significantly on future dental treatment costs down the line. Their highly protective nature makes them a very cost-effective way to maintain dental health over a lifetime.

Getting dental sealants applied is particularly important for dental sealants since they are so effective at preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth, the location where decay most commonly occurs. Due to their pit and fissure anatomy, these teeth are very vulnerable if plaque gets inside their depressions. Dental sealants form a barrier to protect this vulnerable tooth structure.

Sealants are especially crucial during the years teeth are erupting into the mouth between ages 6-14, as this is the highest risk period for developing caries. Getting sealants applied as soon as molars and premolars emerge helps safeguard the newly exposed chewing surfaces. Their smooth, adhesion also aids in proper brushing and flossing of these difficult to clean areas long-term.

The good news is that having dental sealants applied is a very simple, non-invasive treatment. After cleaning and drying the tooth surfaces, the sealant material is painted on and allowed to dry and harden. Most clients feel little to no sensation during the placement.

The entire process takes just 15-20 minutes per tooth and multiple can even be done in a single appointment. No shots or drilling are needed like with fillings since sealants are applied to healthy, uncavitated enamel. This makes them much more tolerable than other restorative procedures, especially for anxious clients. Plus, properly placed sealants require minimal upkeep and last for several years, providing ongoing protection with minimal disruption.

While there is an initial cost to have dental sealants applied, they more than pay for themselves in reduced treatment costs down the road by preventing costly fillings, root canals, extractions and more. According to a Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) study, every $1 spent on applying sealants saves around $30 dollars in future dental treatment.

For parents and guardians, that means less missed work and fewer disruptions to daily activities due to dental visits and procedures later on. It's much easier and more affordable to have sealants applied once than dealing with the financial burden of multiple cavities over time. The sealing process conserves tooth structure and prevents unnecessary damage, reducing expenses long-term. Overall, dental sealants provide an excellent return on investment that results in substantial dental and financial savings.

Studies have shown that dental sealants are highly effective at preventing tooth decay, especially in children. Children are at high risk of developing cavities as their permanent molars and baby teeth erupt. Tooth decay may occur 3 to 6 times more in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth than other areas of the mouth. Sealants are crucial for children aged 6 to 14 years old, as this is a key period when permanent molars and teeth are coming in. Dental sealants prevent tooth decay by creating a protective barrier over the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars and sealing out bacteria. Community dental programs often apply sealants to the permanent molars of children during these ages to help protect their teeth from future cavities. Sealants have been shown to last for many years when applied to permanent teeth and can protect teeth for several years as long as they are not disturbed.

Here are some relevant ADA dental codes for dental sealant procedures:

D1351 - Sealant - per tooth
This is the basic code for application of a pit and fissure sealant to an individual tooth.

D1510 - Space maintainer - fixed - unilateral
Sealants are sometimes used as a type of space maintainer to maintain space for permanent teeth.

D1516 - Space maintainer - fixed - bilateral
As above, but for space maintenance on both sides of the dental arch.

D1517 - Space maintainer - removable - unilateral
A sealant may be used in conjunction with a removable space maintainer.

D1520 - Space maintainer - removable - bilateral
As above, but bilateral space maintenance.

D1352 - Preventive resin restoration in a moderate to high caries risk patient - permanent tooth
This code involves more extensive use of sealants for high risk patients as a more inclusive preventative treatment.

D1353 - Sealant repair - per tooth
Code for repair or replacement of an existing sealed tooth.

So in summary, D1351 is most commonly used but others apply depending on additional factors and associated procedures. Proper coding ensures insurance coverage and reimbursement.

In summary, as a highly effective preventative treatment, dental sealants should absolutely be a priority in maintaining oral health, especially for children and adolescents. By sealing pits and fissures from bacteria and acids, they create a protective barrier that dramatically reduces decay risk. Their minimally invasive placement process and lifelong benefits more than justify their relatively low upfront cost. Dental sealants are simply one of the best investments that can be made for preventing future cavities and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. We highly recommend speaking to a dentist about getting dental sealants applied as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.

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