The chewing surfaces of the teeth have grooves/fissures that make them weak to decay. These fissures can be deep, are difficult to clean, and can be narrower than even a single bristle of a toothbrush. Food and Plaque accumulates in these areas, and the acid from bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can develop. Dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooves and fissure areas by providing a smooth surface which can be easily cleaned.
The first dental sealant to be placed is usually on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum. If the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of these teeth are sealed, the dental sealant will help protect the tooth.
Applying sealant is a simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The application steps are as follows:
The sealant is then painted onto the chewing surface of teeth, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. A special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.