Tooth decay often begins in areas that are hard to clean—particularly the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These areas have deep grooves and tiny pits where food particles and plaque settle. Even with regular brushing and flossing, these grooves can be hard to reach and are at higher risk for decay. Dental sealants offer a way to block these trouble spots before cavities start.
At Dr. Sara Gotwalt’s office, our dental sealants in Lititz, PA, are used as part of a preventive care plan. The sealant acts as a barrier that protects the enamel from plaque and bacteria, helping to maintain long-term oral health.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin resin coating that covers the chewing surface of molars and premolars. These teeth often contain deep grooves or pits that trap food and plaque. Once applied, the sealant fills in the grooves and stops plaque from settling into areas that brushing can’t fully clean.
Sealants don’t replace brushing, flossing, or other aspects of oral hygiene. They’re a supportive tool—especially helpful in preventing decay in teeth with high-risk surfaces.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Sealants are often placed in children and teens as soon as their permanent molars come in. But they can benefit adults too. The decision depends on your dental history and the condition of your molars.
Dr. Gotwalt may recommend dental sealants if:
- Your permanent molars have deep grooves that trap plaque and food particles
- You or your child has had prior issues with tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas
- Newly erupted molars are otherwise healthy but vulnerable to decay
- Difficult-to-brush surfaces are at higher risk despite good overall oral hygiene
How the Sealant Process Works
The process for placing a dental sealant is straightforward. It doesn’t require drilling or numbing and is usually completed in one short visit.
Here’s what happens:
- Our Lititz dentist cleans and dries the tooth
- An etching gel is applied to help the sealant grip the enamel
- After rinsing and drying again, the sealant is brushed onto the grooves of the tooth
- A special light is used to harden the material and bond it to the surface
You can resume normal eating and drinking right after treatment, and the sealant begins protecting your tooth immediately!
Why Dental Sealants Matter
Sealants help prevent tooth decay where brushing and flossing often fall short. The fissures in back teeth are naturally shaped to trap particles of food. Even careful brushing may miss some of these areas. Once plaque settles into a groove, it can lead to decay that requires a filling or other treatment.
By covering the grooves, sealants offer extra protection. This is especially important during childhood and the teen years, when cavity risk is often higher.
Even for adults, sealants can protect teeth with cavity-prone surfaces.
How to Care for Teeth With Sealants
Daily brushing and flossing remain essential. Sealants protect the chewing surface, but not the sides of teeth, where flossing removes plaque. A complete oral hygiene routine keeps your whole mouth healthy.
Good maintenance works like:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove buildup between teeth
- Scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams
- Limiting sugary snacks that feed plaque bacteria
Dr. Gotwalt will check the condition of your sealants during regular visits. If a sealant shows signs of wear or damage, it can be repaired or replaced.
Think You Need a Dental Sealant? Schedule a Visit!
At Dr. Sara Gotwalt’s office, dental sealants are used to reduce the risk of future problems and to keep oral health on track. Protection from decay begins with good habits and continues with practical choices like using sealants when needed.
If you’re considering dental sealants in Lititz, PA, schedule a visit with Dr. Gotwalt! She will examine your back teeth, assess your risk for decay, and guide you through whether sealants are the right step in your care.