Dental Sealants
No matter how careful you are when cleaning your teeth, it’s inevitable for leftover food and bacteria to stick around and become a nuisance to your oral health. This is generally because premolars and molars, the chewing teeth located in the back of your mouth, have the perfect anatomy (nooks and crannies) for bacteria to hang around. At Smile Hilliard, we offer dental sealants to combat this unfavorable issue.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made of a thin resin material that is coated over the surface of premolars and molars. Because premolars and molars have many fissures and grooves in their surfaces, they can easily accumulate bacteria, leading to decay. Dental sealants block bacteria from collecting in those fissures, thus preventing cavities from developing. Our sealants also deliver fluoride to the teeth for that extra defense factor!
When can Dental Sealants Be Placed?
Once the surface of the permanent tooth has grown in beyond the gum tissue, it is ready for a dental sealant. They are typically placed on children’s teeth; however, adults may benefit from sealants as well.
What can I Expect with Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an extremely easy procedure to have done. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
- One of our dental hygienists will prep your teeth to remove any existing food residue and plaque from the surfaces, and polish them to prepare for the application.
- Using a brush, we’ll paint the dental sealant material right onto your teeth. There is no need for any anesthetic for this procedure
- A curing light will dry and bond the sealant onto your teeth — around a 30 second process, then you’re done! You can eat or drink immediately!
- Sealants are affordable, with most dental insurance policies covering them as a preventative service, with little to no out of pocket cost!
Our team will take a moment to inspect the final product, ensuring the sealants have bonded correctly. You can expect your sealants to last for several years. Should one wear off, they can be replaced quite easily. This procedure is a simple, effective and inexpensive way to prevent decay and will help your teeth to last a lifetime!
