Your Questions

• What is a pediatric dentist?
• When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
• What will happen at my child’s first dental visit?
• Why should decayed baby teeth be fixed?
• Why does my child need X-rays?
• How should I care for my child’s teeth?
• Does my child’s diet affect their teeth?
• What are sealants?
• What is Baby Bottle Decay?
• When will my baby start getting teeth?
• My child has a dental emergency. What should I do?
• How safe is fluoride?

What are sealants?

A sealant is a clear or opaque plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth including the molars and premolars. These pit and fissures are difficult to keep clean because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the microscopic grooves to remove plaque, bacteria and tiny particles of food.  The sealant acts as protective barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.

The procedure is simple and fast. First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and conditioned. Then the dentist or dental hygienist applies the sealant to the tooth’s chewing surface where it bonds with the enamel. A special curing light is used to help the sealant harden. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth’s chewing surface will be protected from decay. Sealants usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. The dentist checks their condition during a regular examination.