Sealants

Sealants

What are sealants?

A sealant is a watery, thin, tinted filling material used to seal the grooves of virgin teeth from decay.

Why do I need a sealant?

The sealant can provide protection from decay in the grooves of newly erupted back teeth on children. Since this is where most children get their first cavities.

How are sealants placed?

The grooved surfaces of the back teeth are cleaned with pumice and then a mild acid is applied to open pores in the enamel. A very thin, watery and tinted composite material is painted onto the etched surface and hardened with a bonding light. The grooves are now sealed from bacteria. The tooth has not been drilled or altered in any irreversible way.