
If you’ve recently had a dental procedure, you may have received a sealant treatment. It is a quick and easy procedure that many patients don’t know much about. Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted onto the surface of the tooth that help to reduce tooth decay and protect the underlying tooth.
Once sealants are placed, they quickly bond with the surface of the tooth. This plastic coating helps to protect the enamel that covers the tooth on the chewing and grinding surfaces. This process is usually done on the flatter back teeth, such as the molars and premolars, to help protect them from a buildup of bacteria between the cusps of the teeth.
While brushing and flossing are effective at removing most food and sugar particles, the rear teeth contain many places that allow for buildup. Sealants help to protect these vulnerable points by “sealing” the tooth from allowing this buildup to ever touch our enamel.
Dental sealants are a great option to add another protective layer to your teeth. Sealants coat the enamel of molars and premolars in a thin plastic coating that blocks sugars and bacteria from contacting your tooth’s surface. If you are considering the need for sealants, contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment and see if they are right for you.