Sealants
What are Sealants?
Sealants are protective coatings that can help to prevent tooth decay on the back teeth. Many patients have deep fissures and grooves on their posterior (back) teeth. These areas are often more susceptible to decay because they are difficult to clean. In order to fill in these grooves and pits, we can apply a clear varnish known as a sealant.
Why might Sealants be needed?
Sealants are ideal for adults and children alike. They are often necessary if you’re prone to decay or are looking for a way to further protect your smile. If your back teeth have deep grooves and fissures, we might recommend sealants as a way to prevent cavities from developing. Sealants can last for anywhere from one to about three years, and we can reapply them as often as needed.
Who is a candidate for Sealants?
There is no age limit when it comes to patients benefiting from sealants. While sealants are most often applied to pediatric patients’ teeth, they can be just as helpful for our adult patients. To determine if you’d benefit from sealants, we can examine your teeth. If we believe you’d benefit from this preventative option, we’ll recommend having the varnish applied to your back teeth.
What can be expected during the Sealant procedure?
The procedure begins by cleaning and drying the back teeth. A clear varnish is then applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth only. The sealants are then cured with a bright light. This will prevent them from moving or being washed away. You can expect the sealants to last for roughly one to three years depending on the amount of wear they receive. Be aware that having sealants is not an excuse to forgo routine brushing and flossing as well as trips into the office for professional cleanings. As the sealants wear away, we can reapply them so that your teeth are always fully protected.
If you would like to come into our office for sealants, call us today so that we can get you in as soon as possible.