Are Dental Sealants Effective?

Back teeth, commonly known as molars, are especially susceptible to caries, or cavities. This is because these teeth are harder to reach and are therefore harder to clean. They obtain more cavities also because these teeth tend to have a rougher texture than teeth toward the front of the mouth. Many molars have a grooved or fissured makeup. It is these grooves and fissures that attract food particles and precipitate decay.

Fortunately, you can address these irregularities with dental adhesives, or films, called sealants. Sealants are pasted into the grooves or fissures of the molars, where they quite literally seal off these spaces, preventing any material from entering them. The teeth are thus fortified against bacteria and decay.

Children are especially good candidates for dental sealants. When their molars are newly erupted, our expert in dental sealants in North Hollywood recommends applying dental sealants immediately. When combined with the routine regular brushing using a soft-bristled brush and a fluoridated toothpaste, sealants can be 100 percent effective against cavities.

To apply sealants, our North Hollywood dentist first roughens the teeth with a special etching solution. The teeth are then rinsed and dried, and the sealant is placed in the teeth. The sealant is hardened with a curing light.

Contact our team for more information about this proven cavity fighter.