healthyofteeth77: Dental sealants are used to fill the narrow grooves in teeth acting as a barrier to protect them against decay-causing bacteria. They are most commonly applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. They help prevent decay because the plastic resin that is used protects the enamel from plaque and acids. Normally a toothbrush would remedy these inhibitors however toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions to adequately clean the food and plaque.
Dental Sealant Procedure
Your dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits of your teeth so it is possible to brush off the plaque. This helps to avoid cavities and keeps your teeth healthy. The procedure only takes a couple of minutes per tooth and does not require any anesthetic, as it is completely painless.
Here's how it works
The teeth to be sealed are first thoroughly cleaned
Then the chewing surfaces are micro-etched with a gel to help the sealant adhere to the tooth
The sealant material is carefully applied to the grooves of the teeth and a high intensity light applied for the material to harden
Who Can Get Teeth Sealants?
Although children are the most common recipient of dental sealants because the likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, adults too can benefit from sealants. The dentists at Gables Exceptional Dentistry will be able to tell you if sealants are recommended for your prevention program.
