Elevated dental care for whole body wellness
The grooves on back teeth can hold food and plaque, even with regular brushing. Dental sealants form a thin protective barrier over these areas to help reduce tooth decay. At our Terwillegar practice, we assess your molars, explain whether sealants may help and discuss their place in ongoing oral care.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings on back teeth. They cover pits and grooves that hold plaque to help protect enamel. Your dentist checks tooth condition and cavity risk first.
Back molars have deep, narrow grooves where food and plaque can collect easily. Toothbrush bristles may not reach every area. Sealants cover suitable pits and grooves to help lower cavity risk, while brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups remain important for oral health.
Sealants may suit children, teens or adults. The dentist checks tooth development, groove depth, decay and history.
Sealant placement often does not require drilling on an intact tooth. Your dentist cleans and dries the tooth, applies the new coating and carefully checks if the finished sealant fits well.
Sealants are often considered as molars emerge, but age does not determine whether treatment is needed. Tooth anatomy, past cavities and examination findings help your dentist decide which chewing surfaces may benefit.
We assess your molars before suggesting sealants as a preventive option. We identify suitable chewing surfaces, explain how placement works and discuss how sealants fit with daily dental care.
Patients or parents have questions about sealant placement, how long they last and when they are needed. These answers address common concerns, but an exam is needed for clear advice.
Applying sealants to sound teeth is usually painless and does not require freezing or drilling. The tooth is cleaned, dried and prepared before the coating is placed and hardened. Some children find it hard to keep their mouth open and teeth dry. The dental team can explain what to expect.
Sealants can last several years, depending on material and placement. They may chip, wear or detach over time. Your dentist can check them at regular exams and recommend repair or replacement. Sealants do not replace brushing, flossing or dental visits.