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Dental Sealants

This plastic resin bonds into the grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of pre-molars and molars. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and  plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all  the way into the grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these  vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque, food and bacteria.

Is sealant application a complicated procedure?

Sealants are easy for your Ottawa family dentist to apply. It only takes  a few minutes to seal each tooth. First he teeth that will be sealed are  cleaned and 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. A special  curing light (blue light) is used to help the sealant harden.

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be  protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing  and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your  regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants  and reapply them when necessary.

Sealants are just for kids, right?

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in  life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit  from sealants as well.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a  healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with an CDA-accepted fluoride  toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners;  eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist  regularly. Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind  your prevention program.

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