Dental sealants stand as an often-overlooked, but powerful shield for our teeth. In fact, our Southgate, MI, dentists encourage young patients as well as adults predisposed to cavity development to opt for the procedure. And why not? The process of putting sealants on your teeth is pain-free and a wise investment for the future.

Here’s more information about the application of dental sealants.

Dental Sealants: What They Are & How They Work

Dental sealants are non-invasive, plastic coatings that are brushed onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, or molars. They may seem simple compared to other dental procedures, but tooth sealants are capable of protecting your smile for years.

Once applied, sealants are designed to prevent decay from entering the fine grooves and pits located on molars. These narrow, hard-to-clean “fissures” are commonly found on back teeth which makes them especially susceptible to cavities. Even the bristles of a toothbrush may not be able to reach inside these areas to properly get rid of any plaque or food particles.

This is where dental sealants come in. Our dentists will gently apply them to your back molars so there is a smooth surface that covers the grooved and pitted areas. You can think of sealants like an umbrella for your teeth. Similar to how regular umbrellas protect you from the rain, sealants will work to keep out decay.

Individuals Suitable for Sealant Placement

Because of how well sealants defend against cavities, many dentists, including ours, recommend they be placed on the molars of children and teenagers once they appear. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t also effective when used with adults.

Some adults are more prone to cavity formation than others depending on how deep the fissures are on their back teeth. To help prevent the need for a tooth-colored filling or dental crown in the future, our dentists can apply sealants after a routine teeth cleaning if requested beforehand. Simply let our front desk staff know you’re interested in the procedure so our dentists and hygienists are prepared.

Breaking Down Benefits & Procedure Steps

Aside from their ability to prevent plaque buildup inside of molars, sealants are also:

• Less expensive than fillings.
• Applied quickly and painlessly in one visit.
• Proven to last for up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene.
• Simple to repair or maintain.

If you’re interested in having sealants applied to your or your child’s teeth, our dentists will start by prepping your molars. Your tooth will be cleaned and dried before an acid solution is used to roughen the chewing surface. This part of the process ensures the sealant forms a strong bond to your tooth.

Next, our dentists will rinse and dry the tooth/teeth again before brushing the sealant onto the tooth enamel. Here, it will begin to bond directly to the tooth and harden. Once it has become a hard plastic coating, you are free to chew on the tooth and go about your day. No local anesthetic necessary!

Ask Our Team About Sealants

Go all in with preventive measures and choose dental sealants for your or your child’s smile. Our dentists in Southgate, MI, would love to tell you more about them if you’re curious. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.