Sealants
A sealant is typically white in color and requires no drilling, but instead fills natural grooves. Said grooves are naturally occurring in most of our back teeth, some of us, however, have deeper than normal grooves that tend to resist the toothbrush. Over time the groove builds up tiny food particles and bacteria causing a stain and then ultimately a cavity. A sealant fills the groove without impacting your bite merely renders the groove shallow and easier to clean.
Reasons for a sealant
- Deep groove
- Staining of groove but not the rest of the tooth
- History of cavities in nearby teeth
Since the sealant is bonded to the groove itself it is more susceptible to crunchy and sticky foods. We check on them regularly to make sure they are intact and still protecting your tooth.
How are sealants placed?
3 steps to a sealant:
First – Clean and prepare the tooth so nothing is trapped under the sealant
Second – Apply the sealant- a white liquid- that flows into the groove, it hardens under a intense blue light, and bonds to the groove
Third – Verify the bond took, smooth and clean the surface of the tooth and verify it doesn’t change the bite.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your sealants.
"Always love coming to mountain springs dental. My oldest son got sealants done today fast and easy. The staff is always so helpful and nice. They explain things very well and I always feel well taken care of."
─ Linsey Juarez