Dental Sealants
A thin protective coating over back teeth, where most childhood cavities start.
A thin plastic coating bonded into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Those grooves are deeper than a toothbrush bristle can reach, which is why most childhood cavities start there.
The tooth is cleaned and dried, the sealant is flowed into the grooves, and a curing light sets it in seconds. No drilling, no numbing, and nothing is removed from the tooth.
Sealing a groove before decay starts is the least invasive thing dentistry can do for a molar. It protects the tooth through the years when brushing is least reliable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental sealants.
Usually soon after the permanent molars come through, around six and again around twelve, while the grooves are still clean.
Several years, though they wear and can chip. Dr. Truong checks them at every visit and tops up or replaces as needed.
No. Nothing is drilled and no injection is needed, which makes this a good first restorative-style visit for a nervous child.
It is uncommon when the seal stays intact, which is why we check them regularly rather than placing them and forgetting them.
Sometimes, if the grooves are deep and the cavity risk is high. Dr. Truong will tell you which teeth are worth sealing and which are not.