Dental sealants are thin protective coverings that are placed over back teeth, or molars. Situated in a hard to reach, difficult to clean area of the mouth, these teeth are especially suspect to decay from leftover food particles. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by literally “sealing out” plaque and food.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sealants have been shown to reduce cavities by 86% in children alone! As such, we highly recommend sealants for young children and growing teens.
The benefits of dental sealants are:
- Preventing cavities from developing
- Providing a smooth surface for better cleaning
- Protecting teeth from plaque and tartar buildup
- Durable materials that last for years
Sealants are typically made of a resin material that is brushed into the grooves (also called “fissures”) of the patient’s molar teeth. A special light is used to bond the sealants into place, forming a sturdy and comfortable defense against the culprits that create cavities.
