What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are protective coverings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They are virtually invisible to the naked eye and form a barrier between your teeth and the bacteria in your mouth. When properly applied, a sealant can protect against tooth decay and deep groove staining of the back teeth.
Why Are Sealants Necessary?
The most common area for cavities is in the pits and grooves of your back teeth. Sealants fill these grooves, preventing food and decay from settling in and the eventual need for fillings, root canals, and extractions. They can last for anywhere from one to four years until they naturally wear away. We can re-apply dental sealants as often as they're needed or wanted.
Who Can Have Sealants Applied?
Sealants are typically applied on children's teeth, but are just as beneficial for adults, and can be requested at any time. It can be difficult to fully keep the back teeth clean because of all of the grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces. If you're prone to tooth decay or if you already have several fillings on your back teeth, you may want to consider having tooth sealants placed. We may also recommend sealants for you if you have a poor diet or dental hygiene.
What Happens During the Dental Sealant Application?
We start by drying and cleaning the back teeth. We then apply the liquid sealant to the biting surfaces of your teeth. Once the liquid has been applied, we will cure it into place using a bright light. There is no anesthetic or drilling required, and the procedure takes just minutes in our clinic. Once the sealants have been cured into place, they will last for about one to four years and provide you with the protection that you need. We urge you to remember that even with your tooth sealants in place, you still need to brush and floss regularly, as well as make your biannual visits to the clinic for a routine dental exam.
If you'd like to have dental sealants applied, schedule an appointment at our office by calling or texting us at (972) 833-0151 or using our contact form and we'll be happy to assist you!