Sealants

Your children brush twice a day — why do they still get small cavities? Brushing and flossing clean most of the surfaces of their teeth, but getting to the crevasses in the back teeth is nearly impossible for little, untrained hands. Those tiny dips and pits, especially the ones in the molars and premolars, are perfect traps for food and bacteria; because young teeth are more vulnerable, decay is a common result. Fortunately, along with regular exams and routine cleanings, we can include in your children’s dental plan a noninvasive, preventive procedure that protects those back teeth and keeps them healthy while they mature and strengthen.

Dental sealant is a plastic material that is used to coat the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on and seals the nooks and crannies in the teeth so that food and other plaque-causing materials are kept out. The procedure is simple, painless, fast, and takes only one visit. First, your teeth will have any decay removed, then they will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Next, the sealant material is painted on the chewing surface. The sealant will naturally bond to the tooth on its own; however, a special light may be used to speed the process, helping the sealant to harden in just a couple of minutes.

Dental sealant is incredibly strong and can withstand the force of chewing. It has been found to reduce the rate of decay by over 70% and lasts over a decade, making it well worth the money. Though dental sealants are most often used as a protective measure for children’s vulnerable back teeth, they are also perfect for adults who don’t have decay or fillings in their molars and can be a perfect addition to your existing dental plan.

Contact Family Tree Dental to set up an appointment to find out more about dental sealants and how they can protect you and your children’s teeth from decay and cavities.