Brunette woman with dental sealants smiles and holds a magnifying glass to her teeth

What Are Dental Sealants?

February 20, 2021 8:57 am | Published by Vista Ridge Family Dentistry

Even with daily brushing and flossing, it’s possible for food debris and bacteria to hide in the grooves and crevices of the back teeth, called molars. That’s where dental sealants come in! Keep reading to learn how dental sealants can help safeguard your smile and reduce the risk of cavities.

The Grooves of Your Molars

Molars are the big teeth at the back of the mouth primarily used for chewing and grinding food. These strong teeth have uneven, grooved surfaces. While these crevices are completely natural, bacteria and food particles can accumulate in these hard-to-reach grooves, thus increasing the risk of decay. In fact, approximately 90% of cavities occur in these back teeth.

How Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth

Dental sealants are tooth-colored plastic coatings that are applied onto the natural grooves of teeth. They help seal the tooth’s surface from damage by filling in the pitted areas where bacteria and food particles can collect. According to the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), dental sealants decrease the risk of tooth decay in the molars by 80%!

Dental Sealant Application

Applying dental sealants is a simple process. First, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. A gel is applied to allow the sealant to have a stronger bond to the tooth. The sealant is then placed into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special light.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive dental treatment with many benefits. This protective barrier is:

Tooth-colored to blend in seamlessly with other teeth
Affordable way to reduce the risk of decay & cavities
Great for children & adults
Durable

Comprehensive Dental Care in Cedar Park, TX

We offer a wide range of services, including general dentistry, dental sedation, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, kids’ dental care, same-day emergency appointments, oral surgery, and treatment for sleep apnea. If you have any questions about dental sealants or our other services, please contact our Vista Ridge Family Dentistry office. Our team would be thrilled to hear from you!

Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care

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