Sealants

A sealant is a thin, resin coating applied molars, premolars and any teeth with deep grooves (called pits and fissures).  More than 75% of dental decay begins in the grooves of teeth because these areas 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 for about 10 years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Sealants are recommended for:

• Children – We recommend placing sealants as soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent molars) appear and again around age 12 when the 2nd molars erupt.
  

• Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.

• Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and if a 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 them dry.  A special cleaning agent 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.  The sealant is then hardened and dried with a special curing light.

Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

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