Calgary, AB dentist, Dentist in Calgary, AB,

Sealants

A sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars, premolars and on any deep grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 70% of decay start in these deep grooves. These teeth are hard to keep clean and therefore more susceptible to decay, A sealant creates a smooth surface by sealing the pits and fissures allowing easier cleaning.

Indications for sealants:

• Baby teeth: if there are deep grooves and there is a history of being cavity prone.
• Children and teenagers: As soon as the six-year molar (first permanent back teeth) appear or anytime during the cavity prone years of 6-26.
• Adults: teeth that have deep grooves without decay present.

Procedure:

Sealants take only a couple of minutes to apply per tooth and are easily applied. The teeth are cleaned and then surrounded with cotton rolls to keep the area dry. A solution is then applied to the chewing surface of the teeth to help bond the sealant to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. The sealant coating is then applied to cover the deep grooves. The last step is to apply a special light for a few seconds to cure the sealant so that it hardens.