Are you prone to tooth decay? If so, you may be a candidate for dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a clear plastic coating that our dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. We may recommend sealants as a preventive measure against cavities, especially for our younger patients.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease that affects American children.

It’s not uncommon for the back teeth to have deep grooves and divots on the chewing surfaces. Plaque can hide in these grooves and divots, making it difficult to brush your teeth effectively.

As the name suggests, sealants will seal the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. That way, it’s smoother and more difficult for dental plaque to build up.

What to Expect

First, we’ll need to clean and dry the chewing surfaces of your back tooth. Next, we’ll wrap the tooth in cotton or another absorbent material to keep it free of saliva.

Once the tooth is prepped, we’ll apply an acid solution to the chewing surfaces. This roughens it up so the tooth can create a strong bond with the sealant. We’ll then rinse and dry your tooth.

As the final step, we’ll paint the clear sealant onto your tooth and use a curing light to help it harden in place.

Aftercare

You’ll still need to practice good oral hygiene at home after getting dental sealants. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque. We also recommend that you continue seeing us for your routine teeth cleanings and dental exams at least every 6 months.

Request an Appointment With Bowtie Dental

Our family dentist in Wyoming, MI, would be more than happy to help you avoid cavities and other oral health issues. To schedule an appointment, call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003.