Sealants

Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth. These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used heavily in the chewing process, are the most difficult to reach and clean, and have deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces. First molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, while second molars come in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.

To place a sealant, the tooth is first cleaned. Next, an adhesive is applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, and is painted right onto the tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 5-10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.