Sealants
Did you know that over 75% of dental decay starts in the grooves and fissures of your teeth? An uneven texture on the chewing surface of your molars makes your teeth difficult to clean and susceptible to decay and cavities. To protect the tooth, a thin, plastic coating is applied to “seal” deep grooves and create a smooth, easy to clean surface.
It only takes a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth are first thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is then carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.
Sealants will help protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. They hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed. They will need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will extend the life of your sealants.
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