Sealants
What are Sealants?
A sealant is a protective coating that’s applied to the back teeth. Because many back teeth have deep grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces, it can be difficult to keep these areas clean. This makes these back teeth more prone to tooth decay. In order to fill in these ridges and grooves, we can apply a clear varnish known as a sealant.
Why might Sealants be needed?
Some patients are simply more prone to tooth decay than others. This often has to do with softer enamel as well as grooves and ridges on the back teeth. Sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay, which would result in the need for fillings and other more invasive procedures. Sealants are ideal for both pediatric as well as adult patients alike.
Who is a candidate for Sealants?
While sealants are most often applied to children’s teeth, they can be highly beneficial to our adult patients as well. To determine if you might benefit from sealants, we’ll perform a thorough examination. Your new sealants can last for about one to three years before reapplication is needed. The process to apply sealants requires no anesthetic and takes just minutes in the office.
What happens during the Sealant process?
First, we clean the back teeth and dry them of any noticeable moisture. A clear varnish is brushed over just the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These sealants are then cured into place, which helps them to melt and fill any cracks and grooves in the area. The sealants are there to stay for about one to three years, depending on how much wear they receive each day. Because sealants are completely clear, you can feel good in knowing that no one but the dental team will even know they’re on your teeth. If you’re a parent, you might want to consider dental sealants for your children and their smiles.
If you would like to learn more about sealants and how they’re placed, call us today to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members.