Dental Sealants

Because your back teeth (the molars and premolars) have groves that tend to trap food particles and germs, and are hard to clean with a toothbrush, they are likely areas for tooth decay to form. As tooth decay needs to be removed, and the tooth filled, this leads to weakened teeth. A better solution is preventative action with dental sealants.

Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is applied over these problematic surfaces to create a protective layer. They bond with your teeth and offer up to ten years of protection. As this plastic can be white, clear or just slightly tinted, they aren’t noticeable to casual observers.

Dr. Faist recommends sealants for children who have recently gotten their permanent molars and premolars, as the sealants can help protect their teeth throughout their most cavity-prone years (ages 6 to 14). That said, adults can benefit from sealants as well, provide their teeth are currently free from decay or fillings.

Sealants are inexpensive and involve less discomfort that fillings, and do more to preserve the original integrity of the tooth. Please keep in mind that they do not offer total protection for your teeth, however, and the florid from toothpaste, mouth rinse and tap water are still necessary to prevent tooth decay. As always, Dr. Faist asks that all of his patients come in from regular checkups, which provides him with an opportunity to check your sealants for any wearing or chipping.

For more information on sealants, check out the American Dental Association page. To make an appointment at our Beachwood office, click here or give us a call at: 216-464-2448