Dental Sealants

About Dr. Ophir AlaloufOphir Alalouf, DDS, serves families in Rockville, Maryland, as a Pediatric Dentist. In that capacity, Ophir Alalouf, DDS, provides preventive and restorative dental services to children ranging in age from infant to 18 years. As part of his practice, Dr. Alalouf applies dental sealants to permanent teeth as a way to prevent decay.

What Are Dental Sealants?Dental sealants are a nontoxic plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. The coating protects back teeth by filling in the deep grooves where particles of food and germs can get stuck and cause decay. Dr. Alalouf applies the sealant after a thorough cleaning by painting it onto the tooth’s surface and allowing it to dry. Once in place, sealants can last up to 10 years.

Effectiveness of Dental Sealants

Sealants are most effective when applied shortly after molars have erupted before teeth have had a chance to decay. They are an important part of an overall preventive maintenance routine for oral hygiene.