Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth

But many people do not know exactly what they are or why your dentist and hygienist at Libary Park Dental will encourage you to get them.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored plastic coatings that are applied to the grooved chewing surfaces of the molars (your back teeth).

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

First, the tooth is cleaned. Then it is dried completely. A solution is placed on the grooves of the tooth that makes the enamel microscopically rough so that the sealant can adhere to the tooth. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. Then the sealant is painted on the tooth. It starts as a liquid but hardens in a few seconds to look and feel like the original tooth.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Dental sealants have been used since the 1960s. There has been a lot of research done to ascertain safety and reliability. Dental sealants are one of the best ways to protect your teeth!

Why Should I Get Dental Sealants?

Because applying dental sealants protects from tooth decay. By filling in the deep pits or grooves of the tooth, acids, plaque, and bacteria don’t have the opportunity to attack the enamel of the tooth. This protects the tooth and keeps a small problem from becoming a big problem!

Who Should Get Dental Sealants and When Should They Get Them?

Your dental team will encourage you to have dental sealants applied to your children’s teeth as soon as they get their permanent molars. The first molar usually comes in around age 6, and then the second one comes in around age 12. Very rarely we will suggest a sealant on a baby tooth if there is a particularly deep groove in order to keep that tooth from getting a cavity. It is important to keep baby teeth as healthy as possible since the permanent tooth will develop underneath it.

Applying a dental sealant will only take a few minutes but it will protect your tooth for many many years. Ask Dr. Chiappetta or Dr. Haugstad about dental sealants at your next visit!