The most important reason we recommend getting sealants is to prevent tooth decay. While fluoride present in toothpaste and drinking water works to protect the smooth surfaces of your teeth, the back teeth need a little extra help. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of your premolars and molars, keeping out bacteria and food particles. A sealed tooth is less likely to develop tooth decay, saving you time and costly restorative procedures down the road.

While sealants are usually used to protect teeth in children and teenagers, they also offer benefits for adults. Premolars and molars come in between the ages of 6 and 13. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come in can keep them healthy and free of cavities right from the start.

Applying sealant is a quick, simple, and painless process. We will start by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth before placing an acidic solution on their chewing surfaces to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth. The next step is rinsing and drying your teeth, followed by painting the sealant onto the tooth enamel. Sometimes a curing light is used to help harden the sealant. The resulting coating will act as a shield, protecting your teeth from being exposed to plaque and bacteria.