Dental Sealants
DR. IGOR OCHEV, SAN RAFAEL DENTIST

Do the pits and grooves of your teeth put you at high risk of tooth decay?

If yours do, then you can benefit from getting dental sealants. More than 75% of tooth decay begins in these deep pits and grooves, also known as fissures. A tooth with this condition is hard to clean and very susceptible to decay. Dr. Igor Ochev can apply a dental sealant to protect the tooth by sealing these deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any fissure. It acts as a barrier to protect the tooth from decay for many years. It’s cost-effective and we check it for wear and chipping during your regular visits.

Benefit for Children
The likelihood of developing tooth decay on the chewing surfaces begins early in life. Sealants can be applied as soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6 to 16.

Benefit for Adults
Because a person never outgrows cavities, sealants can beneficial for any age.

GETTING A DENTAL SEALANT
What to Expect

Sealants are easily applied. The process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth. Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.