A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the fissured chewing surface of molars, premolars and to occaisional deep grooves in other teeth.  More than 75% of dental decay begins in these hard to clean, grooved areas.  Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular intervals.

Indications 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 that are likely to decay.

• Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

The procedure:

Sealants are easily applied 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 solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth.  The teeth are then rinsed and dried again.  Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface filling in the deep grooves and 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 extend the life of your new sealants.