Sealants

Wherever our mouths have crevices, bacteria are able to hide and feed. This is true of our tongues, our gum pockets, and of the indentations between the cusps on our molars and premolars. We take prevention very seriously at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs. Sealants are one of the most common treatments we use to protect patients from the harm of tooth decay and make it easier for them to care for their oral health.

A sealant is a plastic coating that is applied to the grinding surfaces on the back teeth. Besides creating a barrier between acid and enamel, it also smoothens out the tooth just enough to make it easier to brush. The cusps will still be prominent enough to grind food, but less food will get stuck between them.

Patients don’t need to do anything to prepare for sealant placement. After cleaning the teeth, we’ll apply an etching acid to them to increase their surface area and then paint the plastic coating on. The sealant will be hardened with a light, and the patient should be able to eat normally within a few hours. Sealants are commonly recommended for children when their permanent molars come in, but adults can benefit from them, too. A sealant can last for as long as ten years, after which a new one may be applied.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.