Dental Sealants
are used to help fill in narrow grooves or pits in the back molars that even a toothbrush can’t reach. Unfortunately, food debris can get inside these areas and form cavities. Our Ann Arbor dentists can brush sealants onto the chewing surface of your molars to prevent plaque and food particles from building up inside those very grooves.
Who Are Dental Sealants For?
The great thing about dental sealants is that they can benefit children, teens, and adults. Oftentimes, younger patients are recommended the quick procedure due to the increased chance of decay developing in the premolars. However, adults who have no decay or fillings and want extra protection can have sealants applied as well.
Our dentists may suggest that your children receive sealants on premolars and permanent molars once they come in fully. If this advice is followed, your child will be better protected from tooth decay during the years when they’re most prone to cavities.
How Do They Work?
The concept of dental sealants is actually quite simple. Think of them like an umbrella or raincoat when it’s raining. In the same way those two objects shield us from the rain, sealants shield your molars from incoming food particles and cavity-causing decay.
To apply the thin plastic coatings, our dentists will first clean and dry the tooth/teeth receiving the sealant. They’ll place a special acidic gel on each tooth which will roughen the surface and ensure a strong bond is formed between the tooth and sealant.
After a few moments, our dentists will rinse off the gel, dry the tooth, and apply the sealant onto your tooth’s grooves. A special blue light is then used to fully harden the sealant.
Protect Your Smile With Dental Sealants
If you or your child want to reduce the likelihood of cavities and fillings in the future, dental sealants are your best option when paired with regular oral care. Our , can apply the sealants during a routine appointment if you’d like. Request an appointment by calling Liberty Dental at (734) 994-0909 today.