Sealants:

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.

Sealants are easy for the dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth.

• The teeth to be sealed are cleaned
• To help the sealant adhere to the tooth, the chewing surface is conditioned with a bonding agent
• The sealant is then applied onto the tooth enamel, where it is bonded directly to the tooth with a special curing light

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last many years before a sealant may need to be reapplied.

During your regular dental visits, the dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.