Talk:Dental sealant

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This article should mention that a team of researchers in Spain reported that some dental sealants can release xenoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic estrogen. Subsequent studies in the US have found that US-manufactured sealants don't release the same chemicals, but that some release related chemicals. For more information, see the article "What parents should know about estrogen-like compounds in dental materials" in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, Jan-Feb 2000. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 4.228.114.186 (talk • contribs) 06:42, April 27, 2005

Greed not health is more important that is why sealants are not applied "When correctly applied, dental sealants are nearly 100% effective in preventing dental caries on treated teeth. Despite this, and the fact that dental sealants have been widely available since the early 1970s, it is estimated currently that fewer than 20% of the population have dental sealants." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.187.27.18 (talk • contribs) 22:26, June 4, 2006

The two sources appear to conflict: "Teeth sealants last longer than four years for more than half of the children and young people who have them done. During this time the risk of cavities in the sealed teeth is about halved. The resins applied as sealants these days are generally believed to be reasonably safe, although some people have had allergic reactions to them." from 1

"When the sealants are applied correctly they are nearly 100% effective in preventing dental caries." from 2 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bob135 (talk • contribs) 06:27, July 16, 2007

They dissolve in ethanol, like drinking alcohol? — Omegatron 06:41, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

I take great issue with this statement: "When the sealants are applied correctly they are nearly 100% effective in preventing dental caries." Can some please provide the research where patients have had sealants placed on their teeth, and then 5-10 years later have them completely removed and the teeth are in good shape? I cannot find this data and I am not convinced it exists. It seems irresponsible to say sealants are effective without backup data. From my own personal experience: I had dental sealants placed on my teeth as a young adult in my mid-20s. Recently, in my 30s, I saw a new dentist who suggested that they be removed. He explained that he has seen more harm than good with sealants over the years (and in fact he refuses to use them in his practice). Basically, he explained they have to be perfectly put into the mouth with no moisture, bacteria, etc. underneath otherwise that "bad stuff" will be trapped in and will start the decay process. Secondly, and more likely, the sealants fail over time - even in small, undetectable ways - and bacteria, food, etc. can seep in and again the decay process starts. I also learned in my research that a dentist cannot detect if there is decay under a sealant either by xray or by laser - quite simply, the sealant has to be removed to determine what is lurking underneath. I had extensive decay under every tooth (8!) that had a sealant - and am finding more of my friends experiencing the same exact thing as me. I don't want others to be misinformed. (And I had been going to a dentist every 6 months faithfully for years - and no problem was detected until I went to a new dentist who was skeptical of sealants). How should this be handled on a page like this? People need more facts in order to make solid decisions for themselves. Llcavall 19:28, 27 October 2007 (UTC)

Laurel -- please identify yourself. DRosenbach ^{(Talk | Contribs)} 00:56, 25 October 2007 (UTC)

A company, Pentron Clinical Technologies, was added to the external links. I am removing this, as the company has no mention nor nothing to do with the articleLlcavall (talk) 19:41, 17 February 2008 (UTC)