What is a sealant? A sealant is a plastic material (resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The resin flows into the pits and grooves of the teeth. Once they are covered, food and plaque cannot get in. The sealant forms a barrier against acid attacks. How are sealants applied? The teeth are cleaned and the chewing surface is checked to make sure no decay is present. A cleaning gel is applied and then rinsed off to help the sealant stick to the teeth. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface, and normally a special light is used to help the sealant harden. It generally takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. How long do sealants last?Sealants may last several years before they may need to be reapplied. During your child’s regular visits, Dr. McNutt will check the sealants to make sure they are still effective. BPA-free dental sealantsSome sealants contain a compound called Bisphenol-A (BPA). Bisphenols are formed in numerous consumer products including food and water containers, baby bottles and the lining of metal food and beverage cans. For your child’s protection, Dr. McNutt made sure the sealant used in his office is BPA-free. The material we use is Clinpro, manufactured by 3M ESPE. For a complete list of BPA-free sealants and their manufacturers, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry lists them on their website.