Sealant

A sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves called pits and fissures of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves.

Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, which create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years. However, they need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Reasons for Sealants

Children and Teenagers

As soon as the 6-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6 to 16.

Adults

Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.

Baby Teeth

Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

What Do Sealants Involve?

Sealants are easily applied by Dr. Presser or any one of our dental hygienists at Presser Dental Group. The process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.

The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth.

The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.

Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of the new sealants of our clients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.