Dental Sealants

Our Forest Family Dentists encourage dental sealants for 3 reasons:

1. They are proven to prevent decay.
2. They are easy and painless to place.
3. They are more affordable than fixing the damage caused by tooth decay, and require few resources to place.

What are dental sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that can be applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. They protect by keeping germs and food particles out of the grooves. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces.

How long will a sealant last?

It can last for as long as 5 to 10 years! Sealants should be checked at your regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.

Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity?

Decay damages teeth permanently. Sealants protect them, can save them money, and the discomfort that is sometimes associated with dental fillings. Fillings are not permanent! Each time a tooth is filled, more drilling is done and the tooth becomes a little weaker.