| How does a sealant help prevent decay?
A sealant is a plastic material that is
usually applied to the chewing surfaces
of the back teeth—premolars and
molars. This plastic resin bonds into
the depressions and grooves (pits and
fissures) of the chewing surfaces of
back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier,
protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove
food particles and plaque from smooth
surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles
cannot reach all the way into the depressions
and grooves to extract food and plaque.
Sealants protect these vulnerable areas
by "sealing out" plaque and
food.
Is sealant application a complicated procedure?
Sealants are easy for your dentist to
apply, and it takes only a few minutes
to seal each tooth. The teeth that will
be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing
surfaces are roughened with an acid solution
to help the sealant adhere to the tooth.
The sealant is then 'painted' onto the
tooth enamel, where it bonds directly
to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a
special curing light is used to help
the sealant harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact,
the tooth surface will be protected from
decay. Sealants hold up well under the
force of normal chewing and usually last
several years before a reapplication
is needed. During your regular dental
visits, your dentist will check the condition
of the sealants and reapply them when
necessary.
Sealants are just for kids, right?
The likelihood of developing pit and fissure
decay begins early in life, so children
and teenagers are obvious candidates.
But adults can benefit from sealants
as well.
Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay
and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily
brushing with an ADA-accepted fluoride
toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth
daily with floss or interdental cleaners;
eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks;
and visiting your dentist regularly.
Ask your dentist about whether sealants
can put extra power behind your prevention
program.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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