Dental sealants are a form of preventative dentistry that is used to protect the surfaces of your teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants are clear, plastic coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of your molars. The surface of your back molars can be hard to adequately reach with a toothbrush. The ridges and grooves in these teeth can sometimes trap bacteria and food particles, causing tooth decay and cavities. Dental sealants do as their name implies and seal off the teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria and food particles to become trapped in them.

Dental sealants are ideal for children and they are also great for adults who have sensitive teeth or are prone to cavities.

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Application of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are incredibly easy and painless to apply. To begin, we will determine which teeth we think would benefit from sealants. We will then dry these teeth and coat them with a roughening solution. This roughening solution helps your teeth easily bond to the sealant. When your teeth have been prepared, we will paint on the sealants, which will quickly harden and bond with the use of a blue LED light.

The lifespan of Dental Sealants

Although sealants are strong enough to last for several years, how long a sealant will last actually depends on a number of factors. Dental sealants can last up to 10 years when cared for properly. To care for your dental sealants, make sure that you are brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid activities that could crack and wear the sealant down, such as chewing ice or hard, sticky foods. If you suffer from bruxism and tend to grind your teeth, your sealants will likely not last as long.

Dental sealants may be an option for protecting your teeth from damage and decay. If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants or want to see if you could benefit from this procedure, call our office today at (614) 850-0446.