Dental sealants are part of preventive dental care. Initially fluoride was the numero uno in preventive dentistry. However, for the past few decades sealants have been ruling from theforefront.

The many bumps and grooves of the chewing surfaces of teeth are highly susceptible to cavities. Debris and resulting bacteria can easily lodge among the grooves of a tooth. These grooves, called pits and fissures, may be more problematic for some than for others. Premolars and molars have the most pits and fissures and are difficult for anyone of any age to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. However, placing sealants on the right teeth can help prevent tooth decay for any age group.

The procedure is usually performed on baby teeth soon after they erupt, and is repeated at regular intervals over the years. Sealants can last for many years but they need to be checked regularly for possible re-application. It is sometimes necessary to repeat application due to gradual loss of the sealant from natural wear and tear of the teeth.
However, it is important to understand that sealants do not replace fluoride. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay. Sealants add to the benefits of fluoride and will preserve teeth better so that they do not decay and require fillings or more extensive and expensive dental procedures later on.
Applying sealants is an easy three-step process and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted. Because they are generally used only on the back teeth, sealants cannot be seen while talking or smiling.

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