Dental Sealants
Protect your child's teeth against bacteria
Dr. Bursich believes that by using sealants on their children's teeth, parents can prevent tooth decay early on in life.
You can remove most food particles and plaque from your teeth with thorough brushing and flossing. However, there are small depressions and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth that often get missed.
Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. In other words, they help prevent dental problems before they start.
How does a sealant help prevent decay?
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This plastic substance bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth and acts as a barrier, protecting enamel by "sealing out" plaque and acids.
Is sealant application a complicated procedure?
Sealants are easy for us to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. We start by cleaning each tooth to be sealed, and then roughen up the surface with an acid solution so that the sealant will adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel where it bonds directly to the tooth.
How long does it last?
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. Dr. Bursich will check the condition of the sealants during regular dental check-ups and reapply when necessary.
Schedule an appointment for your child today. He or she can have a free consultation, and Dr. Bursich can explain to you whether or not sealants are the right treatment.
