Sealants To Teeth Decay

Teeth with deep grooves, known as pits and fissures, are often hard to clean, and more than 75% of all dental decay begins in these areas. According to Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A.,—a dentist in Thomasville, NC who uses top-of-the-line dental care procedures for all clients—a sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the surface area of deep grooves on teeth to make these teeth smooth and easy to clean.

Why Have Sealants Added To Teeth?

There are many reasons to have sealants applied to teeth. For instance adults might have their dentist add sealants to their teeth if they notice any deep grooves or depressions. They might also have their dentistry office take a look at their child's baby teeth for these grooves as children are the most cavity prone and sealants could protect their teeth and gums from decay as they transition to adult teeth. Once the six-year molars arrive, parents might also want to have sealants added to these teeth to further protect their child from cavities and tooth decay.

The Sealant Process
The dental team will begin by thoroughly cleaning the teeth set to be sealed, and then they will surround the teeth with cotton to keep the area dry. Next, the dentist will apply a special solution to the enamel, which will help the sealant bond to the teeth. After rinsing and drying the teeth once more, the sealant material is then carefully added to the enamel surface of the teeth to cover deep grooves and depressions. There are multiple types of sealants that can be used, and depending on which one your dentist chooses, it will either harden immediately after application or will require the dentist to use a special curing