Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are the latest preventive treatment to protect teeth against the bacteria that cause decay. Dental sealants are available at your Medina, Ohio dentist.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealant is comprised of a liquid resin that hardens and bonds to the surface of the teeth. The material is approved for use as a dental treatment. The sealant is completely clear; once the sealant has been applied, there is no visual indication that there is sealant in place.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Children and teens without existing dental decay are ideal candidates for dental sealants. However, adults with healthy teeth and gums can also get dental sealants with dentist approval. Children and teens are best suited for dental sealants because they can have their teeth protected from bacteria before any decay can develop.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The dental sealant treatment is completely non-invasive. The first step is to determine which teeth will receive the treatment. In most cases, the molars are chosen for dental sealants.

The next step is to thoroughly dry the teeth and then to “roughen” the surface with an acid solution. This ensures that the dental sealant can better adhere to the surface of the teeth.

Next, the dentist uses a brush to “paint” the surface of the teeth with the sealant material. The sealant immediately bonds to the teeth. The dentist will then use a light to “cure” the sealant, which helps it to harden faster and become permanent.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants are considered permanent because they can’t be removed from the teeth, but they don’t last forever. Over time, the sealant naturally wears down. Theoretically, dental sealants can last up to about ten years, but each case is different. When you visit the dentist, they can tell you how dental sealants are wearing. Sealants may chip in places, in which case the dentist can repair them or apply a fresh coat, as needed.

If you’re interested in dental sealants for yourself or your children, please contact our office.