Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a dental treatment consisting of applying a plastic material to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. Sealants protect the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface, therfore, preventing dental caries (cavities) or other forms of tooth decay.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits. Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

Reasons for sealants:

Children & Teens – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
Adults - Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves
or depressions.
Baby Teeth - Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves
or depressions and child is cavity prone.

How Sealants are Applied

Dental sealants are usually applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and are painless. First they clean and dry the tooth or teeth to be treated, then a thin layer of liquid plastic material is applied on the pits and fissures of the tooth.

After application of the plastic liquid, blue spectrum natural light is shone on the applied material for a few seconds to cure the plastic. Alternatively, some brands of sealants harden automatically.

After curing, the plastic becomes a hard, thin layer covering the treated portions of the tooth. Despite the incredible pressures effected on teeth during chewing each day, dental sealants may remain effective for five years or longer, although sealants do wear naturally and may become damaged over time.

Bacteria and food particles may eventually become entrapped under the dental sealants, and can thus cause decay in the very teeth intended to be protected.

To arrange for your appointment or to request more information:
Please call 905-641-2242 or email us.

Dental Sealants

How Sealants are Applied

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