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Sealants:
A dental
sealant is a thin plastic film painted onto the chewing surfaces of
molars and premolars (the teeth directly in front of the molars).
Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of
cavities. They were developed through dental research in the 1950’s and
first became available commercially in the early 1970’s.
Sealant
application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the
surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching
solution or gel is then applied to the enamel surface of the tooth,
including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is
thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the
sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special
curing light. Other sealants are applied and allowed to harden
much the same way nail polish is applied to fingernails. Sealant
treatment is painless and could take anywhere from five to 45 minutes
to apply, depending on how many teeth need to be sealed. Sealants
must be applied properly for good retention.
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