Dental Sealants In Irving, Texas

What Are Dental Sealants?

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) receive very thin coatings of a resin material called dental sealants. They seal the tooth, shielding it from bacteria that sticks to it and causes cavities to form. They can be applied to children’s teeth as well as adult teeth and reduce the risk of cavities significantly.

How Are Pit And Fissure
Sealants Applied?

1. Cleaning: To help provide a good seal, your dental professional will thoroughly clean the teeth receiving treatment so that no plaque or food debris is hiding. There is no drilling or scraping of the teeth. A paste and rotating brush thoroughly clean the tooth surface. Next, we wash the tooth with water and dry it.

2. Prepping: We apply an acidic solution to the fissured area of the tooth’s chewing surface for a few seconds to prepare the tooth for a dental sealant. This creates small, microscopic areas on the tooth’s surface, as well as a fine, rough texture that helps the sealant adhere better. We rinse off the solution after application to provide a clean surface for the sealant.

3. Sealant Application: Next, we paint the sealant into the tooth grooves, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.

4. Curing: Your oral care provider will use a special blue light, known as a “curing” light, in the final step to help harden the sealant. After the procedure, you can eat and drink right away.