Transcription
Hi i’m Dr. Amanda Garza and today’s topic is sealants.
What is a sealant?
A sealant is a clear or white protective coating painted on to the back teeth to help prevent cavities that form in the pits in grooves.
Cavities often begin there because your toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the deep pits and grooves that trap food and bacteria.
So, what is the process?
Well, it only takes a few minutes to seal a tooth. First, your tooth is cleaned and prepared to help the sealant stick to your tooth.
It’s then painted onto the chewing surface to which it bonds and hardens with the help of a special light.
So how long does a sealant last?
It can last up to several years before needing a replacement. It can however break down quicker with ice chewing or hard foods. Your dentist and hygienist will check your sealants during your regular dental visits and reapply them if needed.
So who can benefit from sealants?
Children, teenagers, and adults because you never outgrow the risk of cavities.
So, as the ADA says, “Prevention is always better than treatment.”
Thanks for joining us!
