Dental Sealants Help to Prevent Cavities
Most often Dr. Silberman reserves sealants for the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence, but sealants can be applied at any age.
Dental sealants are comprised of a thin, plastic material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars (back teeth). Sealants provide a protective coating that helps to preserve tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
The Problem
The molars have deep depressions that are uneven and bumpy, making them difficult to clean well — especially for children. These pits and fissures (grooves) in the back teeth tend to collect food and plaque that make them vulnerable to decay. Sealants essentially create a barrier that “seals out” acids, plaque and food.
How Sealants Are Applied
Sealants are easy for the dentist and easy for the patient: The tooth is cleaned and dried. Then we apply a solution that helps the sealant to stick to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the tooth in its initial liquid form which quickly hardens to create a protective shield over that portion
of the tooth.
What’s Best for Your Oral Health?
Sealants have been in use for decades now. They are safe and effective at helping to prevent cavities. For the best oral health, brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, floss once every day, eat a well-balanced diet with limited snacks and sugar, and visit us for your regular cleanings and checkups.
Most often Dr. Silberman reserves sealants for the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence, but sealants can be applied at any age. Contact your expert in preventative and general dentistry, Dr. Silberman today. He can determine whether sealants, or one of our other dental services, are right for you or your children.
