Sealants
Sealants are protective coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth. These coatings are a preventive measure that are effective in preventing cavities.
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these areas of your teeth.
The sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces and are designed to prevent the attack of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices of teeth.
Sealants were developed about 50 years ago, but did not become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants (especially on the adult premolars and molars).
Application
Sealants are applied by cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by "painting" the tooth with a microbrush. After the sealant is applied, a
light source is directed to the site to promote curing or hardening of the material. Upon application, the patient is able to eat and drink right away.