Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars, and molars) — to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and groves of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in.

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult - sometimes impossible -to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under the age of 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars commonly decay because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Tooth brush bristles can't effectively reach and clean the deep pits and grooves. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities on smooth surfaces of the teeth, but is less effective in the deep pits and grooves. Sealants are a great preventive mechanism against tooth decay.

First, the tooth is cleaned. Then a mild etchant material is placed on the tooth to roughen the surface. A sealant material is then placed on the tooth and a curing light is used to harden the sealant into place. The application of the sealant requires no drilling or shots and is completely painless.

Sealants are used to keep an already healthy tooth from decay. Most of us are accustomed to the concept of fillings. The problem with fillings is that each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, part of the tooth is lost. Regular fillings need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years. A sealant is a preventative measure that can help avoid decay before it begins.

The chewing surface of children's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and least benefited from fluorides. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Current research has shown that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars are the most decayed teeth because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces.

Dental sealants are a clear protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the tooth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque.