POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEALANTS

A preventative sealant has been placed on one or more of your teeth in order to prevent cavities in the chewing surface of the back teeth. Sealants do not protect the four other surfaces of each tooth. Routine brushing and flossing are still necessary to prevent cavities on other surfaces, other teeth and around the sealant.

1. Following its application, a sealant may feel a bit high when biting down, and your bite may feel different. This is normal and will subside over the next few days as the excess material wears off, leaving only what is needed in the deepest grooves.
2. Avoid chewing on ice cubes, cough drops or other hard and crunchy foods. The sealant may chip or break if these foods are eaten, especially just after placement.
3. Sealants can remain in place for many years if they receive proper care, the approximate life span of a sealant is 2-5 years. Numerous factors can contribute to possible early loss (saliva contamination during the application, continuous poor eating habits, poor oral hygiene).

Dr. Perry will evaluate the integrity of the sealants at every checkup appointment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office (816)-281-5450