Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars and premolars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process, and are the most difficult to reach and clean.There are many times where the grooves of the teeth do not naturally coalesce or close together. This makes it very challenging for even a good tooth brusher to clean effectively and eliminate the chance of decay forming.Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. This will prevent the grooves that don't close naturally to be sealed off and prevent the possibility of decay from forming.
To place a sealant an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, as if it is painted right onto the tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants can last for 5-10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.
