What are sealants?

Sealants are a quick and painless way to prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of back teeth. Molar teeth usually have pits and grooves on the biting surfaces where bacteria hides. When you brush your teeth, your tooth brush glides over the top of the tooth but it is difficult for the bristles to remove germs and tiny food particles deep in the grooves. A thin plastic coating called a sealant can provide an effective barrier against tooth decay. There is no needle or drilling necessary. The sealant is a liquid plastic that is applied to the tooth with a tiny brush. Although a sealant can be placed at any age, this is generally done first at age 6-8 and then again at age 11-13 when the first and second molars appear in the mouth. Sealants are a very simple, inexpensive way to prevent cavities in permanent teeth at a very young age. For additional information please contact our office.