Dental Sealants

One of the most common places that tooth decay develops is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove food particles and bacteria from the smooth surfaces of tooth enamel. However, it’s difficult to keep pits and fissures clean of the back teeth clean.

Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. It isa simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Both children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.

How are sealants applied?

Sealants are easy to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. First, the teeth that will be sealed are cleaned and prepared to accept the sealant. The sealant is then painted onto the biting surface of the tooth, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens with the help of a special curing light. Sealants are generally clear or white and cannot be seen when you smile or talk.

How long do they last?

Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.

Keep your smile healthy

Dental sealants can help prevent decay, saving you time and money that would have otherwise had to have been spent on restorative dental procedures. However, even with dental sealants it is important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.