We know that brushing and flossing are key to maintaining a healthy mouth, but sealants take preventive care a step further. These plastic coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and pre-molars) to shield them from food particles and bacteria.

Children and teenagers are popular candidates, but adults with a high risk of tooth decay can also benefit from this treatment. It only takes a couple of minutes to apply the protective layer, and it lasts for four to nine years!

Painless

Applied quickly and painlessly to the chewing surfaces of teeth, sealants protect these vulnerable areas from bacteria that causes plaque, reducing the risk for future decay. This preventive procedure is typically covered by dental sealants Raleigh NC insurance plans and can help to avoid the need for more costly restorative treatments down the road.

A protective plastic material is painted directly onto the grooves and pits of molars and premolars, covering the indentations to create a smooth, impenetrable surface. Once hardened by the heat of a curing light, these tiny sealants provide an effective barrier against food particles and bacteria that could otherwise lead to tooth decay.

Children and teenagers are prone to developing cavities in these deep grooves due to snacking habits and incomplete tooth brushing, but adults can also benefit from this cost-effective and noninvasive preventive treatment. Regular dental visits combined with fluoride, healthy diets and avoiding clenching and grinding (bruxism) of the teeth can further reduce the risk of cavities.

Convenient

We all know brushing and flossing are important preventive treatments, but what if there was an extra step to keep teeth healthy? Dental sealants are a quick and easy way to help protect teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants are a protective coating that goes over the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to help prevent food from getting stuck. This procedure is commonly used in children, but adults with a high risk of decay in these areas can also benefit from this treatment.

A quick and painless process, the application of sealants starts with a tooth being cleaned and dried to prepare for the sealant. An acidic solution is then applied to the surface of the teeth that will slightly roughen up the enamel to help the sealant bond.

Once dry, the sealant will fill in the grooves and depressions of teeth to create a barrier that protects against bacteria and sugar. While this does not completely prevent decay, it greatly reduces the chances of a cavity developing in those hard-to-reach spots.

Aesthetically pleasing

Unlike dental sealants Raleigh NC fillings, sealants are a thin plastic coating that is painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. They serve as a barrier, locking out the elements that promote tooth decay. The procedure is painless, quick and affordable and can be completed during a regular office visit.

Before applying the sealant, the dentist will thoroughly clean and dry the biting surface of teeth. Then, they will place an acidic solution on the teeth to roughen the surface for better adherence. After this, the tooth is rinsed, dried and then painted with the sealant. After the sealant is applied, it is buffed smooth and a curing light is shined over the tooth to harden the sealant.

The sealants will last for several years, although they may need to be reapplied, based on the patient’s eating habits and oral health. Dental sealants are an excellent preventative treatment for patients of all ages. They are especially beneficial for children, whose snacking habits and teeth brushing techniques can make them more prone to cavities.

Long-lasting

While brushing and flossing are essential preventative tools to promote long-term oral health, dental sealants go a step further. Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of your molars and pre-molars to cover their deep grooves and pits that can trap bacteria and food particles and lead to tooth decay.

To place a sealant, our dentist or hygienist will clean the tooth to be coated and then surround it with cotton to keep it dry. The tooth surface is then etched with an acidic solution to roughen it for better adhesion. After the tooth is rinsed and dried, the sealant is painted onto the etched surface and cured into place with a special curing light.

A sealant is a quick, easy and painless procedure that protects teeth from decay and reduces the need for more extensive dental sealants Raleigh NC treatments in the future. However, they are not a "get out of jail free" card when it comes to brushing and flossing and regular dental visits are still necessary to ensure your child’s good oral health.