Sealants

Sealants are liquid coatings that are bonded on the chewing surfaces of the teeth – effectively reducing the risk of cavities, by forming a protective coating over the tooth.

Normal pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth can trap food that is difficult to remove even by brushing. Sealants are painted onto the tooth surface to “seal” the pits and grooves and protect against decay. They are generally applied to children’s first permanent back teeth as soon as they come in. In some instances, they can be applied on children’s baby teeth. They can also be useful for adults in certain situations, such as on teeth without fillings or where decay has not begun.

Advantages to Sealants

In addition to being an excellent way to protect the teeth from decay, sealants are a much better financial investment than treating a tooth after decay has already begun.

Disadvantages to Sealants

Sealants are an excellent way to protect against tooth decay but are not permanent.  They generally last about five years with normal wear, but can wear off or chip off earlier in certain instances. Also, sealants do not prevent decay between teeth, so regular home care and dental visits are important.

Sealant Procedure

Applying sealants to the teeth is quick and painless. After a thorough cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will bond the sealant onto the tooth with an ultraviolet curing light while keeping the area dry.

Schedule an Appointment

If you believe you or your child would benefit from sealants, call us to schedule an appointment today at 734-464-8020.