A great method for preventing the occurrence of tooth decay, dental sealants consist of a thin layer of acrylic that is painted on the surfaces of an individual’s back teeth. This establishes a strong barrier against harmful bacteria and acids that could otherwise cause serious damage. Dental sealants also smooth out deep grooves and fissures that are often located on the back teeth. Nearly 75 percent of all tooth decay occurs in these spaces. Even with proper brushing and flossing, these areas are very difficult to clean. By using dental sealants, these areas can be protected from damage, and these back teeth will become much easier to maintain.
Many children and teens receive dental sealants while they continue to develop correct methods for brushing and flossing. Baby teeth are often great candidates for dental sealants, due to the fact that they often feature particularly deep grooves and fissures. Many adults also choose to receive dental sealants as well in order to protect their teeth.
Dental sealants can be applied in just one visit to our practice, and the process only requires a couple of minutes per tooth. Our experts start by carefully cleaning and drying any tooth that is designated for treatment. Next, we use an etching solution to roughen the outer surfaces of these teeth. This will help the sealant coating bond more effectively. After prepping the teeth, we will begin the actual sealing process. Acrylic sealant coating will be painted onto the teeth, sealing off any deep grooves and fissures that exist on the surfaces. When maintained properly, a set of dental sealants should remain intact for up to ten years.
Dr. Halabo has been named a top dentist for 15 consecutive years! If you would like to learn more about dental sealants, please call us at (619) 427-0810 to schedule an appointment.