Routine care

Dental sealants . . . preventing decay

A key to a healthy mouth is the prevention of tooth decay. Sealants can play an important role in preventing decay.

Brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But pits and fissures in your teeth are places that are extremely difficult to clean. That's why they are especially prone to decay. Most cavities form in pit and fissure areas, and permanent molars are susceptible to this form of decay. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Two-minute protection

Sealants take only a few minutes for each tooth. First, we clean the teeth. The chewing surfaces are then conditioned to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. Then the sealant is "painted" onto the tooth enamel. The sealant bonds to the tooth and hardens.

For children and adults

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Decay risk varies for the same person over time, because of changes in personal habits, health status and medication use. Lack of access to fluorides and fluoridated water and a history of previous decay are also factors we will consider when evaluating you for sealants.