Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Sealants
Sealants are liquid coatings that harden on to the chewing surfaces of
teeth and are showing a great deal of effectiveness in preventing
cavities-even on teeth where decay has begun.
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for
opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these
intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
The sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces and are
designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the
deep crevices on the tops of teeth.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but
didn't become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are
becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great
candidates for preventative measures like sealants (especially on
molars) because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth
where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional
damage.
Application
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The
procedure is followed by etching the tooth with a chemical substance,
which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is
applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster
drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.
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