Sealants in Lake Forest, IL

Molars naturally have pits and fissures that can collect food and bacterial biofilm. A sealant flows into those grooves and forms a physical barrier over the chewing surface. Sealants are often considered for children and adolescents as permanent molars erupt—usually around age 6 for first permanent molars and age 12 for second permanent molars—but selected primary teeth and adult teeth can also benefit.

Sealants are preventive care, not a replacement for brushing or fluoride. They may help prevent or arrest certain early, noncavitated pit-and-fissure lesions. If decay has created a break in the enamel, our doctors will discuss the evaluation and treatment that tooth needs instead.

• A sealant protects the surface where it is placed, not the spaces between teeth or the area along the gumline.
• Deep grooves, a history of decay, or other caries-risk factors may make sealants worth discussing at an exam.
• Sealants work best as one part of a complete preventive routine.

Our doctors consider groove depth, whether the tooth is fully erupted and can stay dry, current or past decay, fluoride exposure, home care, diet, age, and overall caries risk. Our doctors will recommend an option such as monitoring with fluoride and careful hygiene, a sealant or another minimally invasive approach for an early lesion, or restorative care for more advanced decay. Sealants also require follow-up, and you can discuss material choices or alternatives with your doctor if you have specific concerns, including questions about brief, low-level BPA exposure reported with some materials.

Ross & Durrett Family Dental has cared for the Lake Forest community since 1968. Call (847) 234-8608 to arrange an evaluation at 1400 N Western Avenue.

• Call if a sealant feels rough, catches floss, or seems to have come off.
• Sealants are not a substitute for evaluation of pain, swelling, sensitivity, or a suspected cavity.