Sealants

What are sealants?

Sealants are special dental materials your provider applies to molars to reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that cover the grooves of molars to prevent cavity-causing bacteria, food particles, and plaque from getting trapped and causing tooth decay.

Keeping these particles away from the surface of your teeth, along with proper brushing at flossing, is one of the best ways to maintain excellent oral health.

Are sealants right for me?

The earlier in life you receive sealants, the better your chance of cavity prevention. To find out if sealants are right for you, your dental provider reviews your dental history and examines your teeth. They might take dental X-rays to detect or rule out tooth decay or other oral health problems.

Your dentist might recommend getting sealants after the first molars erupt in children and every several years when the sealants wear down.

What happens during sealant application?

Getting sealants is a fast, painless procedure. Your dentist first cleans your teeth, dries them, and places a special gel on the teeth to rough their surface and create a stronger bond with sealant materials. Your provider rinses off the gel, once again dries your teeth, and applies the sealant to grooves on your molars. They may use a blue light to harden it.

How should I care for sealants?

There’s no downtime after getting sealants, so you can resume normal everyday activities immediately. To care for your teeth after sealant application, brush them twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Limit sweets and sugary drinks, and eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Avoid chewing on hard objects or opening packages with your teeth. See the Greenwich Dentistry team every six months for routine cleanings and dental exams. Ask your dentist if you’re due for a new sealant application. If you grind your teeth, they might recommend you wear a mouthguard at night to make sealants last longer.

To greatly reduce your risk of getting cavities, schedule an appointment with the Greenwich Dentistry team by phone or online to find out if sealants are right for you.