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A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.
How do sealants work?
Sealants protect the teeth's depressions and grooves and prevent food and bacteria from getting in. With the sealant covering the tooth, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around the sealed surface.
How are sealants applied?
The dentist first cleans the teeth that will be sealed. Then he roughens the chewing surfaces with an acid solution, which will help the sealant stick to the teeth. The dentist then "paints" the sealant on the tooth. It bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sealant treatment is painless and takes few minutes to apply.
How long will a sealant last?
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. The risk of decay decreases significantly after sealant application. During your regular dental visits, Dr. Elseweifi will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
Who should receive sealant treatment?
Children, because they have newly erupted, permanent teeth, receive the greatest benefit from sealants. The chewing surfaces of a child's teeth are most susceptible to cavities. Other patients also can benefit from sealant placement, such as those who have existing pits and grooves susceptible to decay.
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