Brushing and flossing cleans most of the surfaces of teeth, but getting to the crevices in the back molars and premolars can be more challenging. Those tiny dips and pits are perfect for trapping food and bacteria, which can result in the formation of cavities.
What Are Sealants?
Fortunately, at Cochise Caring Dentistry your local Sierra Vista family dentist — Dr. Edwards can include sealants in your dental plan: a noninvasive, preventive tooth-decay treatment that protects teeth and keeps teeth healthy. Dental sealants are made from a resin material that is used to coat the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on and seals the nooks and crannies in the teeth so that food and other plaque-causing materials that cause cavities are kept out.
The Procedure
At Cochise Caring Dentistry the procedure for applying sealants is simple, painless, fast, and takes only one visit. First Dr. Edwards will remove decay from your teeth and thoroughly clean and dry them. Next the sealant material is painted on the chewing surface. It will naturally bond to the tooth on its own; however, a special light may be used to speed the process, helping the sealant to harden in just a couple of minutes.