Sealants

Dental Sealants in Inverness, Florida

Many patients want to take preventive steps beyond brushing and flossing to protect the most vulnerable areas of the mouth. One of the best ways to do this is by applying dental sealants.

For a number of reasons, the back teeth are the most vulnerable to tooth decay. Not only are they more difficult to reach when brushing and flossing, the deep grooves and fissures on the chewing surface provide an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and plaque. As a result, it’s no surprise that nearly 75% of all tooth decay occurs in these areas. Dental sealants are a thin acrylic coating that can be painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars. The coating will establish an effective barrier against bacteria and plaque that can otherwise cause serious harm. By using sealants in conjunction with proper dental maintenance and care, a person has a much lower chance of experiencing tooth decay.

Dental sealants are most commonly used for children to protect their teeth while they develop proper brushing and flossing habits. But today, many adults who are at a high risk for decay are also receiving dental sealants as a way of protecting their teeth. In addition to providing a barrier against bacteria and plaque, sealants also make it easier for an individual to care for their teeth. This is accomplished by smoothing out rough surfaces so that they can be cleaned more easily.

The process of applying dental sealants can be completed in just one visit to our practice. We start by thoroughly cleaning any tooth that is going to be sealed. Once the teeth are clean, we treat them with an etching solution to roughen their outer surfaces. This will allow the sealant coating to bond with the teeth more easily. The sealant coating will then be painted onto the teeth and allowed to dry. The process is finished by checking the patient’s bite and making sure that their teeth have been adequately sealed.