Sealants
Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. To protect these vulnerable areas from decay, Dr. Zhou may recommend dental sealants. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.
Our dentist will clean your molars and premolars thoroughly to prepare them for dental sealants, and then dry your teeth and place an absorbent material around them to keep them dry. Our dentist will use an acid solution to roughen the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. This will help the bonding process. Your teeth will be rinsed and dried again. The dental sealant is then painted onto your back teeth. A curing light may be used to help the sealant harden. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, our dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. To protect these vulnerable areas from decay, Dr. Zhou may recommend dental sealants. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.
Our dentist will clean your molars and premolars thoroughly to prepare them for dental sealants, and then dry your teeth and place an absorbent material around them to keep them dry. Our dentist will use an acid solution to roughen the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. This will help the bonding process. Your teeth will be rinsed and dried again. The dental sealant is then painted onto your back teeth. A curing light may be used to help the sealant harden. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, our dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.