Sealants Specialist

What is a sealant?

To understand what a sealant is, it is first helpful to understand how cavities form. Properly brushing and flossing your teeth is instrumental in clearing food and plaque from the surface of your teeth and gums.

However, your teeth can have very textured surfaces, and even with perfect oral care habits, these textured surfaces can collect debris and food particles. This is especially true of the molars in the back of your mouth.

When these food particles interact with the bacteria in your mouth it produces acid, which can wear away at your teeth and eventually cause cavities. A dental sealant is a very thin plastic covering that is placed on these textured teeth, bonding in place and preventing harmful acids from hurting your teeth further, thus helping you avoid cavities. 

What can I expect during my procedure?

Applying a sealant is a fairly straightforward and pain-free process, taking only a few minutes per tooth. Initially, the tooth that will be receiving the sealant is thoroughly cleaned and dried.

An acidic substance is placed on the surface of the tooth in order to create more texture for the sealant to bond to. The acid is then rinsed off and the tooth dried before the sealant is painted onto the tooth, where it bonds and hardens, sometimes with the assistance of a special light.

How long do sealants last?

When applied properly, sealants can last a long time -- oftentimes up to 10 years. Improper use of your teeth, such as biting your nails or grinding your teeth, can decrease this time frame. 

Sealants can be chipped or cracked, and regular dental check-ups are necessary to ensure they continue to protect your teeth effectively. It is also important to note that sealants are not a replacement for proper brushing and flossing. 

To learn more about sealants and whether they may be right for you, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC.