The chewing surfaces of our premolars and molars i.e. our back teeth are areas of the mouth which are most prone to be affected by tooth decay. This is because the chewing surfaces of these teeth have little indentations in them. These are also known as fissures and pits and aid in grinding of the food inside the mouth. These can become home to food debris and bacteria, leading to tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a thin coating of a plastic material that are painted on the pits and fissures of the back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants are mostly placed in children as a preventive treatment to protect their teeth against decay, but they are an equally effective form of preventive care for adults too. It is recommended that sealants be applied to the permanent teeth as soon as the top surface of the tooth erupts.
The application of dental sealants is a simple and painless procedure that takes only a few minutes to complete for each tooth. The tooth is dried and etched with a dental etching gel to help the sealant bond properly. The sealant material is then painted on to the tooth and is dried using a special curing light. After we have checked and ensured that all the grooves have been sealed, you’re ready to go!
Sealants are long-lasting and hold up well to the forces exerted by chewing. We will monitor the condition of your sealants during your regular dental examination. It is important to note that sealants only offer protection to the surfaces they are placed on. You will still need to maintain regular oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings to keep your mouth free of cavities.
For more information about dental sealants, please contact our office for a consultation. Call us at 610-601-5547.