Dental Sealants: A Simple Way to Protect Your Teeth

Dental sealants are commonly used by dentists to better protect patients’ smiles and prevent decay from occurring. They are familiar to many individuals and can be beneficial to a wide variety of smiles. Our professional team at Image Dental often recommends dental sealants for our patients’ smiles, and we encourage you to continue reading on to learn more about this effective service.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating typically made out of plastic. They are painted on to each individual tooth’s chewing surfaces in order to act as a barrier against cavities.

What It's Used For?

Both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants. They are most commonly used on the back teeth that are harder to properly clean and often get food and bacteria trapped. Dental sealants help to ‘seal’ the tooth and avoid damage.

Preparation

The process of applying dental sealants is quick and totally free of pain. It can be completed in just one visit to our Image Dental office and requires no anesthesia or initial procedures. The hardest part is sitting back and relaxing while you wait for the sealant to thoroughly dry.

How It's Done

Your dentist will begin by cleaning the area and removing any debris. They will then dry the tooth in preparation of applying the sealant. The liquid sealant will be applied in the pits and grooves, and then you will wait up to 60 secs for the liquid to dry and harden. Your dentist may also use a special light to harden the area. Dental sealants can last up to 15 years with proper care that includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and getting a proper amount of fluoride. Contact our dental office today to schedule your next appointment.