What Is A Sealant?

Sometimes brushing and flossing is not enough. The pits and grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. This is because these pits and grooves can be too small for a toothbrush bristle to fit into and properly clean away plaque.

Dental sealant is a plastic resin coating that is placed in the pits and grooves of the teeth as an attempt to prevent decay from starting and/or progressing in these areas, which is where the vast majority of tooth decay occurs. It is the same material as white fillings, only without the coloring.

The sealant process in painless, quick and easy! First, the tooth is isolated, conditioned, and dried. Sealant is then applied to the tooth, flowing into the pits and grooves, and a special blue light dries the sealant adhering it to the tooth.

Sealants usually last about 2-5 years. Like a new pair of shoes, they need to be replaced periodically. Over time, portions of the sealant may break off and require a “touch up” to ensure the tooth is protected.

It is important to note that sealants have their limitations. While sealants protect the chewing surfaces of teeth (the most likely place to get a cavity), don’t forget brushing and flossing daily is still necessary to prevent cavities on the other areas of your teeth.