Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are plastic coverings that a dentist bonds onto the teeth. Why are sealants sometimes necessary? The chewing surface of a tooth contains grooves that make it hard to clean, causing tooth decay. These grooves are the specific area where the sealants are attached.

Tooth decay is caused by plaque. Plaque is a white film that forms on teeth when they're not effectively cleaned. When plaque remains on the surface of a tooth, it creates a cavity.

How Dental Sealants Work

Good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing, regularly removes the plaque. However, some teeth such as molars are harder to clean because of the many grooves in the chewing surface. These teeth are particularly susceptible to cavities, which is why they're often covered with dental sealants.

Dental sealants bond into the grooves of the tooth, providing a barrier between the enamel and plaque. With the new, smoother surface, the tooth can be cleaned of plaque much more thoroughly.