Dental Sealants

Teeth are full of deep crevices and sometimes, despite our best efforts to brush and floss daily, we need a helping hand to prevent cavities in those hard-to-reach spots.

Dental sealants are made of a special resin that bonds into the grooves of your teeth to create a barrier against food particles and plaque and is used to protect your tooth from a potential cavity.

According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Sealants can also be used for children and the earlier you get them, the more protection they offer. Sealants can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced.

There’s no need to worry about dental sealant treatment — the procedure is quick and pain-free. Our doctors will clean the tooth surface thoroughly first and then place a special solution on your tooth’s chewing surface that encourages a strong bond between the tooth and the dental sealant. Once the sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, a special UV light is applied to harden the sealant. The procedure usually takes no longer than a few minutes to seal each tooth that requires the treatment (usually in your molars at the back where cavities are more likely).

Although sealants protect teeth from bacteria and cavities, they are not a substitute for brushing daily and having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. They also don’t protect between the teeth, so flossing is still necessary to protect your teeth and gums.