Sealants

Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is brushed onto the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants make healthy teeth possible.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied? The process of applying dental sealants is quick and painless, making it suitable for people of all ages, especially children and teenagers. Here's a step-by-step guide to how dental sealants are applied:

Cleaning: The dentist starts by thoroughly cleaning the tooth's surface that will receive the sealant. This cleaning ensures that no food particles or bacteria are trapped beneath the sealant.

Etching: A mildly acidic solution is applied to the tooth's surface to roughen it slightly. This helps the sealant bond securely to the tooth.

Sealant Application: The dentist then applies the liquid sealant to the tooth's surface, which quickly hardens under a special curing light. This creates a protective barrier on the tooth's chewing surface.

Final Assessment: Once the sealant hardens, the dentist checks to ensure it adheres correctly and makes any necessary adjustments.