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Dental sealants are a quick and easy tool for preventing caries, the tooth decay that causes cavities. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The back teeth are difficult to adequately clean, making them a popular spot for bacteria to thrive. Many are not aware that sealants can be used for adults in addition to children. For example, adults suffering from a dry mouth condition may highly benefit from sealants because their decreased saliva production can make them more susceptible to developing cavities. During your sealants procedure at our Mansfield office, Dr. Blair Jones or Dr. Seth Harris will clean and dry your tooth prior to skillfully spreading the sealant on the surface of the tooth. They may then direct a curing light towards the tooth to harden the sealant. The sealant blocks plaque from clinging to your teeth, ultimately decreasing your chances of acquiring cavities. The doctors now answer common questions about dental sealants.

Q: What do sealants do exactly?

A: Most tooth decay occurs on the surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants essentially seal off the tooth from food particles and germs that can settle in the crevices of teeth surfaces and lead to tooth decay.

Q: Which teeth will receive sealants?

A: Our team will place sealants on the molars, the teeth in the back of the mouth.

 Q: Can other people tell I have sealants?

A: Sealants can be white, clear, or tinted, and they are only visible up close. They are not typically noticeable during everyday speaking and eating.

Q: How long can they last?

A:  Sealants can last up to 5 to 10 years, and the doctors recommend coming in for your check ups every six months so that your sealants can be examined. Replacing a sealant is a brief and straightforward procedure.

Q: I’m a parent. Should each of my children receive sealants?

A: The CDC recommends sealants for all school-aged children. If possible, sealants should be placed soon after the teeth come in, before they can develop decay.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

If you would like to speak to our team about receiving sealants, please call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris provide a wide range of cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry services in a compassionate environment. They proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Fort Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas.