Sealants

Sealants protect the surfaces of teeth with grooves and pits, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are applied to the teeth to help them remain cavity-free. Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult if not impossible to clean tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these depressions, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

Research shows that sealants can last for many years. So, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Our Dentists will always check for lost or broken sealants on each check-up and replace them when needed.

The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It only takes one visit. Our Dentists will condition and dry the tooth, apply the sealant and then allow it to harden. The treatment is very affordable; especially in view of the valuable decay protection it offers your child and is most often covered by dental insurances. In addition, sealants are less expensive and less invasive than having to treat the tooth with a filling in the future.

All posterior teeth that have deep pits and grooves should be sealed, including both permanent and primary teeth. These are usually the molars and premolars, but any tooth with a deep groove will benefit from the placement of a sealant.