Dental sealants are your teeth’s superhero protector, next to brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride mouthwash rinse in your daily oral hygiene regimen.
Dental sealants are a plastic coating which your dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth that have pits and fissures where harmful bacteria can slowly erode the tooth. Most often this will include your back teeth, the molars, but can include any tooth that has grooves and depressions on the surface. The plastic sealant then hardens onto your tooth and keeps out bacteria and debris.
Interestingly, your mouth’s saliva is another defender of your pearly whites, because it has enzymes that neutralize and wash away bacteria, which is good for your non-sealed teeth.
The sealant is usually applied in one visit. First the tooth (or teeth) are cleaned and then dried carefully. Once the tooth surfaces are dry, the sealant is painted on and a curing light may be used to help harden the coating.
Finally, this painless procedure takes very little time and is a small investment for protection that can last anywhere from five to seven years–on up to ten with excellent care.
We are happy to help you decide if dental sealants are right for your family. We want to keep you smiling for a lifetime! 435.867.0644.