Sealants

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.  More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves.  Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. Even one bristle of your toothbrush is too large to clean out these recesses. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Reasons for sealants:

• Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16, sealants are the most effective way to dramatically decrease tooth decay.

• Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.

• Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and  your child is cavity prone.

What do sealants involve?

Sealants are easily applied by Dr. Kamins or our highly trained and licenced assistants and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.

The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surroundings isolated 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 carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover and "seal" the deep grooves or depressions.  The material will harden with a special curing light.

Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in prolonging the life of your new sealants.