A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to
the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called
pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in
these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and
are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing
deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
Reasons for sealants:
What do sealants involve?
Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.
The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned
and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special
solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to
the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is
carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or
depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will
either harden automatically or with a special curing light.
Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.