What are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is used to coat areas of a patient's teeth that are vulnerable or most susceptible to decay and cavities. It is usually white or clear and is placed on chewing surfaces, particularly molars and hard to reach crevasses, pits and grooves in your teeth. It can prevent up to 80% of cavities that form in the back molars, which is where you chew most of your food.

Dental sealant application is a quick, painless, and non-invasive way of minimizing future dentist visits and also saving time and money in the long term. Once your teeth are cleaned and polished, an abrasive etch is placed on the tooth for the sealant to settle on. The sealant is then dried using a special light.

When are Dental Sealants necessary?

Many children who visit the dentist will have dental sealants put on their back teeth at a very early age. This is so that the deep grooves and pits of the teeth are filled in before any decay sets in, which greatly reduces the chances of getting cavities or worse dental issues later on.

Adults may also choose to have sealants applied later in life if they have never had it done or if pits develop in teeth where there were none previously.

Dental sealants are designed to last for many years and they can be replaced if damaged. They require no additional or special treatment besides regular brushing and flossing.

If you have more questions about whether dental sealant is right for you or your child, feel free to contact our office anytime for a consultation.