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DENTAL SEALANTS

Preventing Tooth Decay With Dental Sealants

At times, simply brushing isn’t enough to keep harmful bacteria and cavities away. We all have those tricky nooks and crannies in our mouths where brushing alone may not thoroughly clean. In such cases, the risk of tooth decay increases. The good news is, applying dental sealants provides an additional layer of protection against tooth decay, stepping up your oral defense.

Dental sealants

What Is A Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). It acts as a barrier, covering the grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria often accumulate, thus helping to prevent tooth decay. Typically made of a plastic material, dental sealants are a non-invasive and effective preventative measure commonly used in dentistry, especially for children and teenagers who may have difficulty reaching these areas with their toothbrushes.

How Our Skilled Team Applies The Sealants

Our goal is to apply dental sealants as easily and painlessly as possible. Here’s a general idea of how it’s done:

  • Cleaning: The teeth receiving the sealants are cleaned thoroughly to remove any plaque or food debris.

  • Etching: Our pediatric dentist applies a mild acidic solution to the surfaces of the teeth that your child uses to chew. This roughens them slightly, which helps to bond the sealant to the surface of the tooth.

  • Rinsing And Drying: After etching, the teeth are rinsed and dried thoroughly to ensure a clean and moisture-free surface for the sealant.

  • Application: The dental sealant material, usually a liquid resin, is then applied to the grooves and pits of the teeth. It flows into the depressions and forms a protective layer.

  • Curing: To harden the sealant and bond it to the tooth surface, a special curing light may be used. This process usually takes only a few seconds per tooth.

  • Evaluation: Once the sealant is hardened, our team will check to ensure that it has properly covered all the intended areas and that there are no rough edges. They will also make any adjustments like trimming excess sealant and smoothing it out to ensure a comfortable bite.

After the sealants are applied, patients can resume normal eating and oral hygiene habits immediately. Typically, dental sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied. Make sure your child is coming in for their regular dental check-ups, as this is important for us to monitor the condition of the sealants and ensure continued protection against tooth decay.

Benefits Of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a valuable preventative measure that can help individuals of all ages maintain optimal oral health and avoid the discomfort and expense associated with dental problems such as cavities. There are many advantages of having dental sealants applied to your child’s teeth including:

  • Prevention Of Tooth Decay: Sealants provide a protective barrier against bacteria and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities in the grooves and pits of the back teeth where decay commonly occurs.

Young boy getting teeth checked at dentist orthodontist office

  • Early Intervention: By sealing off vulnerable areas of the teeth, sealants help prevent the development of cavities, potentially avoiding the need for more extensive dental treatments such as fillings or root canals in the future.

  • Non-Invasive: At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, you’ll find we make the application of sealants a quick and painless procedure! Fortunately, it does not require drilling or removing any tooth structure, so it’s over before you even know it!

  • Cost-Effective: Investing in sealants can be cost-effective in the long run by reducing the need for more expensive dental treatments to address cavities and other dental problems.

  • Improvement In Oral Health: By reducing the risk of tooth decay, sealants contribute to overall oral health and can help individuals maintain healthier teeth and gums throughout your child’s life.

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Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise

When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.