What are Sealants?
Sealants are a type of protective coating that is applied to the teeth. Most often, sealants are only applied to the chewing surfaces of the posterior (back) teeth. Sealants can help to fill ridges and deep grooves that would otherwise be susceptible to decay. Most sealants can last for one or more years depending on the amount of wear they receive each day.
Why would Sealants be necessary?
Sealants are ideal for patients who have deep grooves and fissures on their back teeth. These grooves and pits can be downright impossible to clean on your own, even with the best brushing habits. In order to prevent these areas from becoming decayed, sealants can be applied. You can think of sealants as a protective covering over the back teeth that helps to prevent cavities from forming.
Who is a good candidate for Sealants?
Sealants are typically applied to pediatric teeth, but they can be just as beneficial for adults. We can perform an examination to determine if sealants are right for you. Sealants are relatively long-lasting, with most lasting anywhere from one to three years before replacement is needed. The sealants themselves are completely clear, so no one will even know that they’re on your teeth.
What happens during the Sealant procedure?
The sealant procedure will begin by cleaning and drying the back teeth. We check the teeth for any signs of decay before placing the sealant. The liquid sealant is then brushed over the chewing surfaces of just the back teeth. The sealant is cured with a bright light to prevent it from washing away or falling out of place. Your new sealant will last for several years before you can have them reapplied as needed. Whether sealants are for you or your children, they can be incredibly beneficial to your oral health and prevent the need for future treatment of tooth decay.
If you would like to come into our office to have sealants placed, call us today so that we can get you in as soon as possible.