Sealants
What are Sealants?
Sealants are meant to form a protective barrier between your back teeth and the bacteria in your mouth.
They are useful in preventing cavities as well as deep groove staining. They are only applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and can last for up to three years. While sealants are most often applied to pediatric patients’ teeth, they are just as beneficial for adults.
Why are Sealants needed?
Sealants might be needed or recommended if you are susceptible to tooth decay or already have a lot of fillings. Likewise, children who have poor eating and brushing habits can benefit greatly from sealants. These sealants are completely clear in nature, so no one will know they’re on your teeth but the dental team. Because they can last for up to three years, you can experience years of protection against cavities and stains.
Who is a good candidate for Sealants?
There is no age limit on who can have sealants applied to their teeth. While children are the ones who mostly have these sealants applied, they can be beneficial for adults as well. We can perform an examination to determine if and when you may need or benefit from sealants. They can be reapplied if they begin to wear away for as long as needed.
What happens during the Sealant procedure?
We start by cleaning and drying the back teeth completely.
The liquid sealant is then applied to the teeth and cured into place with a bright light. This both melts and hardens the sealant so that it stays in place over the teeth. This process is repeated until all of the back teeth are treated. We can check on your sealants at each of your bi-annual checkup appointments and reapply them as needed. Your sealants can prevent the need for fillings, root canals and even extractions.
If you think you might need to have sealants placed and want to learn more about this procedure, call our office today and we will be happy to get you in for an appointment.