Sealants
Wylie, Texas
The most vulnerable areas for cavity development in children are the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth. These teeth feature deep grooves that trap food particles and are challenging to clean thoroughly through brushing alone. Dentists frequently recommend protective coatings to prevent decay and reduce the need for extensive future treatment.
What Are Sealants?
These coatings consist of transparent plastic resin applied to chewing surfaces. They flatten tooth topography, simplifying the cleaning process while blocking bacterial and food particle access to the tooth structure.
The Application Process
The application process is painless since tooth enamel lacks nerve endings. The procedure includes:
- The dentist examines the teeth
- Removes any minimal decay if present
- Cleans and dries the surface
- Applies an acidic preparation gel for several seconds
- Rinses it away
- Applies the protective coating to the grooves
- A specialized light hardens the material
Durability and Maintenance
These protective coatings remain effective for approximately a decade with minimal maintenance. Regular brushing and flossing preserve their condition. Though they occasionally loosen, reapplication during routine dental visits is straightforward.
Effectiveness
Research demonstrates that sealants can reduce tooth decay by up to 70%, and are a great way to prevent the need for expensive restorative treatment later in life.
