Sealants

The molars and premolars are more prone to cavities than the other teeth due to the occlusal grooves on their surfaces. The grooves, though as thin as a crack, can house several bacteria and food residues that can potentially lead to the formation of cavities. Hence, the only foolproof way of making sure that they don’t develop cavities is by sealing off the occlusal grooves.

What are dental sealants?

Despite thorough brushing and flossing of the teeth, a lot of microbes still remain in the mouth, especially around the hard-to-reach parts of the mouth. This makes the occlusal grooves vulnerable to cavities, which is why they need some special attention.

Sealants are made from acrylic and applied to the grooves of the molars and premolars. They perfectly seal them off to the microbes in the mouth, thereby effectively preventing tooth decay. The material is compatible with the natural enamel, which is why it stays as good as new for a long time and offers protection against cavity-causing microbes.

How is the sealant applied?

The teeth will be cleaned thoroughly prior to applying the acrylic sealant. In case the teeth have cavities, the decayed tissues and the microbes will be removed to disinfect it. The sealant will be applied on the tooth and smoothened out to avoid discomfort while chewing. It only takes a few minutes to seal a tooth, which is why dental sealants are easy to apply and wouldn’t require prolonged chair time. Once done, they offer excellent protection and keep microbes and food particles from getting accumulated in them.

We serve the area of San Mateo and Burlingame Terrace. To schedule an appointment, call us at (650) 348-5424, and we will be happy to help.