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What are they? Sealants are a filling material that Dr. Burba can paint on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It forms a barrier that protects the tooth from plaque and acid attacks. As long as the sealant remains intact the tooth is protected from decay. Why does my child need sealants? The chewing surfaces of your back teeth have grooves in them. These grooves are where most cavities start. They are weak areas on the tooth that are difficult to keep clean. Plaque can get trapped in these grooves and cause a cavity to start. If a sealant is done early enough, then the tooth is protected. Do sealants hurt? No! The tooth is cleaned and dried, and then a gel is painted onto the tooth. This gel prepares the tooth surface so that the sealant will bond to it. The sealant, which is a liquid, is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a special light. That's it!! The whole process takes less than a minute and is completely painless. How long do sealants last? Sealants hold up well under the forces of chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication may be needed. During your child's regular dental visits, Dr. Burba will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
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