How are sealants put on?

The tooth is cleaned.

The tooth is dried, and cotton or other material is put around the tooth so it stays dry.

A solution is put on the tooth surface that makes the tooth a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough tooth.)

The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.

The sealant is applied in liquid form and hardens in a few seconds.

The sealant in place

What if a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant?

The decay will not spread because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply.

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