Sealants
are a clear or white plastic that are placed in the grooves of the biting
surfaces of back teeth, which have deep grooves and pits that are very
difficult to keep clean. Plaque, which is a nearly invisible film of
bacteria and food, collects in these grooves.
In the second illustration above, plaque
shows up after it has been stained with red dye. Each time you eat,
the bacteria in plaque forms acid, and without sealants, these acid
attacks can cause the enamel to break down and decay, and thus, creating a
cavity.
In
the third illustration above, shown is the
placement of sealants. First your Dentist thoroughly cleans and dries
the teeth. A conditioning solution is applied, and then the sealant
material is brushed into the grooves of the teeth.
Shown in the final illustration above, is
the hardening of the sealant with a special light. Some types of
sealants harden on their own, while others harden when exposed to a
special light.
Sealants
are an important part of a preventive dental care program.
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