Patient Services > Preventive Dentistry >> Sealants


Dental sealants are plastic material that are applied to one or more tooth to prevent cavities or other forms of tooth decay. Sealants can often be a good idea for the back teeth since they have many pits and fissures where food particles and bacterial plaque can be trapped even with vigorous brushing and flossing.

Dental sealants are almost 100% effective in preventing cavities on treated teeth. To apply dental sealants, the doctor will clean and dry the tooth to be treated and then paint a layer of liquid plastic material on the tooth's pits and fissures. After applying the plastic liquid, a special light is briefly shined on the material to cure the plastic.

After curing, the plastic becomes a hard, thin layer that covers the treated parts of the tooth. Sealants often remain effective for five years or more, but they do wear naturally and should be checked regularly. If sealants wear or become damaged, the doctor can repair or replace them by simply applying new sealant material to the worn or damaged portions.