If your teeth have pits, fissures, or deep grooves, your dentist may suggest a dental sealant – a very thin plastic coating that is applied to teeth to fill in cervices and help prevent decay. Most decay starts in these hard-to-clean areas, and that’s why sealants are an important preventative treatment for both children and adults.
After a sealant is applied by your chosen San Diego Dentist Association member, the surface of your teeth in treated areas will be easier to clean and decay will be less likely. This simple coating can last years and will be checked for wear at each scheduled dental appointment to make sure it is still in good condition.
Here are some situations when a sealant is appropriate:
- For babies with teeth that are especially prone to cavities
- For children and teens as soon as any grooved permanent teeth come in
- For adults who have deeply grooved teeth surfaces that are free of decay or have very little decay.
How Dental Sealant Is Applied
Remarkably, a sealant can be applied in just a few minutes per tooth, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to prevent decay. The material is applied by a dentist or hygienist after teeth have been carefully cleaned. Cotton is often used inside the mouth to keep the tooth completely dry while a solution is applied to each tooth to help the sealant attach to the tooth. Once your mouth is completely dry again, the sealant is applied precisely in areas to be treated. In some cases, it will be allowed to dry naturally, but it is often dried with a special light in just a few moments.
The only maintenance required is regular dental visits to make sure the sealant is still doing its job. The tooth surface will feel slicker than before treatment – and that’s a good thing to prevent cavities.
Sealants may be a good choice for you. Contact an SDDA member now to find out if sealants or other preventative and restorative dental services can help you have a better, more pleasing smile that will serve you well for a lifetime.