Dental sealants is a treatment consisting of applying a plastic material to one or more teeth for the intended purpose of preventing dental caries. The material is applied to the grooves on the chewing surface of the back teeth (molars) to help protect them from tooth decay. Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from the application of sealants. Our hygienists will apply the sealant after the tooth is cleaned by applying a special gel to the chewing surface. The tooth is then washed off and dried. The sealant is painted on the tooth. A light is placed over the painted area to help harden the sealant. It takes approximately one minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.
Sealants do not replace the need for fluoride to help protect against cavities. They both serve decay protection differently.