Scott Munro, DDS
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings, which are applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth to prevent decay.
Most tooth decay in children and adolescents occurs on the chewing surfaces of these back teeth or molars. This is because molars have irregular surfaces with pits and grooves, which tends to trap food and bacterial debris. Sealants flow into and coat these pits and grooves so that bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.
The teeth most likely to benefit from sealant application are the first and second molars just after they have erupted and before they have had a chance to decay. First molars generally appear at about six years of age and second molars at about twelve years of age.
Once a tooth has matured, it is less prone to decay. Children between the ages of five and fourteen benefit most from sealants. Adults that are cavity prone may also benefit from sealants. After an examination by your dentist it can be determined which teeth can be sealed.
By sealing them now, we can prevent the more costly procedure of filling the tooth later. And most importantly, sealants are fun. There are no shots or drilling involved! And they're as easy as painting your fingernails. |
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Implant Dentistry 
