Sealants

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:

  • Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
  • Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.
  • Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

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.

 

Related Dental Sealants Articles

Dentistry and Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Sealants for Children
The tiny grooves in your child's back teeth are ideal places for cavities to form. But you can take a proactive role in preventing this with dental sealants. These are protective plastic resin coatings placed in these tiny pits and fissures of teeth, actually sealing them from attack. It's a wonderful method of decay prevention that every parent should consider... Read Article

 

Tooth Decay - Dear Doctor MagazineWhat is Tooth Decay? – And How to Prevent It!
Tooth Decay is an infection, and many people don't realize that it is preventable. This article is the first in a series about tooth decay, perhaps the number one reason children and adults lose teeth during their lifetime. Explore the causes of tooth decay, its prevention and the relationship to bacteria, sugars and acids... Read Article

 

Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health
Proper oral health habits are easy to learn - and lead to behaviors that result in life-long dental health. And the time to begin is as soon as your child's first baby teeth appear. From tooth-brushing for your toddler to helping your teenager stay away from tobacco, Dear Doctor offers the most important tips for healthy habit formation through childhood and beyond... Read Article

 

Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Top 10 Oral Health Tips For Children
There's no need to wait until your baby actually has teeth to lay the foundations for good oral or general health. In fact, good nutrition and oral hygiene can start right away. It is up to you to develop the routines that will help protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health problems. So let's get started... Read Article

 

 


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