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What Is a Sealant
A dental sealant is a plastic material that is placed on the
chewing surface of the teeth. During the cavity prone years most tooth
decay starts on these chewing surfaces. The back teeth have naturally
occurring small groves and pits. These groves and pits tend to trap food
particles and cavity causing bacteria. The sealant seals over these groves
and pits preventing the invasion of this cavity causing bacteria. Sealants
make it much easier for the young child to keep the teeth clean. This blow
up image shows that the bristle of a tooth brush is too large to get inside
these grooves.
How Are Sealants Applied
The chewing surface of the tooth is cleaned. Then an enchant
or cleaner is applied to this surface for 15 seconds and the tooth is then
washed and dried. The sealant is painted on this dry surface and hardened
with a bright light. That's all there is to it!
 
How Long Do Sealants Last
Sealants should last five years but can last 10 or more.
Sealants should not be considered permanent. They protect the teeth during
the cavity prone years. Sealants only protect the chewing surface of the
tooth. The teeth must be brushed and flossed in order to protect the other
surfaces of the tooth. Although decay of these other surfaces is not as
common, these other surfaces can still get cavities.
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