SEALANTS
Some teeth have naturally deep, cavernous grooves, which can be very difficult to keep clean and free of decay. Dental sealants can be placed on teeth in these “high cavity risk” areas to provide a smooth surface and prevent future decay on teeth.
Sealants are made of a resin material similar to that in “fillings” that are bonded to the tooth surface and requires no local anesthesia. Most often, restorations of this type are placed on children preventatively to assist them during the early years of tooth development, when the most changes are occurring in the jaw bones.
Sealants placed in children can last until adulthood, but each patient’s habits and oral hygiene will affect the longevity of these restorations. Regular checkups, cleanings, and sealants will aid in preventing cavities and help promote the best dental health possible.