Sealants

“Exceptional Care and a Beautiful Smile”

What Are Sealants?

In dental terms, a SEALANT is a actually a very thin and plastic coated application that goes on the chewing surface of particular teeth, such as molars, pre-molars and any teeth with deep grooves (called pits and fissures).

Surprisingly, it is believed that over 75% of dental decay will being the decaying process in these deep grooves of the tooth. As a dental professional we find these types of situations to be hard to clean. For the patient, these deep grooves are very susceptible to decay and an important reason to meet regularly with your dentist if you have this condition. Thereby, the sealant protects your teeth by sealing deep grooves. It helps create for you a smooth and easy to clean surface.

While it is true that Sealants can protect teeth from decaying conditions for many years, it is highly recommended that you receive regular checkups to determine wear and whether any chipping is occurring.

Reasons for sealants:

• Kids – we recommend sealants for children when the six year molars appear, or anytime from age 6 – 16, which are the year’s kids are most likely to see cavities.
• Adults who do not display decay but have deep grooves or depressions
• Baby Teeth – are occasionally in need of sealants if teeth have deep grooves, depressions or your child is cavity prone.

How do I receive Sealants?

Dr. George Eifler, or our on-staff dental hygienist, can apply your sealants. Typically, the process of applying sealants may only take a couple of minutes per tooth.

We begin by cleaning the teeth in question thoroughly and wrapping them with cotton to keep the area dry. The teeth will have a special solution applied to the enamel surface, which helps the sealant bond. You will rinse your teeth and then they are dried. The sealant material will then be applied in a painting-type process to cover any deep grooves or depressions. We will then use a curing light to harden the material, if needed. Some sealants harden automatically.

The best advice for proper dental care is to brush twice daily, eat a balanced diet, floss every day and meet with Dr. Eifler once or twice a year or sooner if advised.

Contact Dr. George Eifler and AZ Valley Dental today: (602) 956-2260.