Sealants
What are Sealants?
Sealants are thin coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are completely clear, and they work to fill in the grooves and pitting common on the posterior teeth. By applying sealants, these teeth are less likely to become decayed. Sealants are most commonly applied to pediatric teeth, but they can be just as beneficial for adults as well.
Why might Sealants be needed?
There are a few reasons for why you might benefit from sealants. The first, and most common, reason is because your back teeth have a lot of pitting, grooves and fissures. It can be difficult to keep the back teeth properly clean when there are so many grooves. Likewise, you might benefit from sealants if you’re more prone to tooth decay, or if your brushing and dietary habits are anything but perfect.
Watch this quick video "What are Dental Sealants?"
Who is a candidate for Sealants?
To determine if you might benefit from sealants, we’ll recommend that you come in for an exam. We can examine your back teeth to decipher if sealants are the best option for you. For parents, you might be looking for a way to further protect your child’s teeth, especially if they are susceptible to decay or don’t have the best brushing habits at home. Sealants can last for up to three years, and they can be reapplied as often as needed.
What happens during the Sealant process?
The procedure begins by cleaning and drying the back teeth. Once this is done, we will brush a clear sealant varnish onto the teeth. Most often, sealants are only applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth in an attempt to fill in the grooves and pitting in these areas. The sealants are then cured with a special dental light. You can expect the new sealants to last for anywhere from one to about three years. We can check on your sealants and reapply them as often as needed.
If you think you might need sealants, call us today to talk with one of our trained professional team members.