Protect Your Cavity-Prone Teeth with Effective and Discreet Dental Sealants
Are you tired of battling cavities despite your near-perfect oral hygiene regimen? Have you heard about dental sealants? These little wonders offered at Eckland Family Dental form a protective barrier on your teeth to seal out plaque, acids, unwanted bacteria, and other harmful deposits.
If you’d like to know more about dental sealants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kale Eckland. Dental sealants are easy to apply and last many years with proper maintenance.
What are dental sealants, and why do you need them?
Tooth decay starts in the molars and premolars because these posterior teeth have tiny grooves and pits that trap food and harmful bacteria. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied on chewing surfaces to seal out fissures vulnerable to decay.
While dental sealants are popular among children because of their high risk of cavities, adults can also benefit from fissure sealants. Dental sealants are ideal for anyone at risk of cavities, regardless of age.
The easy process of applying dental sealants
Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure often completed in a single visit. The first step is a dental cleaning to remove plaque and any traces of bacteria. Then, we’ll dry your teeth and apply an acidic gel to create a strong bonding surface. We’ll dry your teeth again before painting dental sealant on your vulnerable teeth, carefully “sealing out” all the pits and fissures.
The final step is to harden your sealant with a special light. Within minutes, your sealant will settle in, and your mouth will be ready to eat and drink immediately.
Benefits of dental sealants
Dental sealants are simple to apply but can last 5-10 years with proper maintenance. However, they need regular check-ups by the dentist to ensure they are intact and effective. We can reapply or replace the sealant if we notice signs of wear and tear.
Besides durability, dental sealants offer numerous other benefits.
Some include
- Natural, discreet appearance
- They are easy and quick to apply
- It’s an affordable and effective way to prevent tooth decay
- They are suitable for patients of all ages
- Easy to repair and maintain
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
Are dental sealants only for kids?
No, while dental sealants are commonly applied to children’s molars to prevent cavities, adults can benefit from them. Sealants can provide extra protection if you have deep grooves in your teeth prone to plaque buildup. Dr. Eckland may recommend sealants for adults at a higher risk of tooth decay, especially if they have no existing fillings in those teeth. Regular checkups will determine if sealants remain a good option.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last between five and ten years with proper care. However, they can wear down over time due to chewing, exposure to acidic foods, and natural tooth wear. Dr. Eckland will examine your sealants during routine checkups to ensure they remain intact. If a sealant wears away or chips, it can be reapplied quickly and easily. Avoiding hard or sticky foods and maintaining good oral hygiene will help them last longer.
Can dental sealants be applied over cavities?
Sealants are meant to prevent cavities, not treat them. However, if a tooth has very early signs of decay (a small area of demineralization), Dr. Eckland may be able to apply a sealant to stop the cavity from progressing. This method seals out bacteria and prevents further damage. However, once decay has created a full cavity, a filling or other restorative treatment is needed before a sealant can be considered a preventive measure.
Do dental sealants make it harder to clean teeth?
No, sealants make teeth easier to clean by smoothing out the deep grooves where food and bacteria tend to get trapped. You can still brush and floss as normal. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help sealants last longer and keep your teeth healthy. Dr. Eckland will ensure the sealant application does not interfere with your bite or oral care routine, helping you maintain a healthy and functional smile.
Are dental sealants visible on the teeth?
Sealants are usually clear or tooth-colored, so they blend in with the natural teeth and are barely noticeable. Some sealants may have a slight white or tinted appearance, but they are only applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them difficult to see when you smile. Dr. Eckland uses high-quality materials to ensure a natural look, allowing patients to benefit from added protection without aesthetic concerns.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are safe and have been used for decades to prevent cavities. Some concerns have been raised about BPA exposure, but the sealant levels are extremely low—far lower than everyday exposure from food, drinks, and plastic containers. Dr. Eckland uses safe, biocompatible materials that adhere to strict dental safety standards. Sealants remain one of the best preventive measures for protecting teeth from decay, especially for patients prone to cavities.
Can dental sealants fall off?
Sealants can wear down or occasionally detach from the tooth due to chewing forces, teeth grinding, or eating hard foods. If this happens, the tooth will lose its added protection against cavities. That’s why it’s important to check sealants during regular dental visits. If a sealant falls off, Dr. Eckland can easily reapply it painlessly. Regular maintenance and avoiding excessive pressure on the teeth will help prolong their effectiveness.
It's important to remember that dental sealants don't replace brushing and flossing. Sealants should be considered a great addition to oral hygiene, not a substitute.
Protect your teeth with dental sealants today!
Cavities are not something to take lightly. If you find yourself struggling with cavities despite good oral hygiene, call (425) 448-6339 (Redmond) or (425) 249-3830 (Everett) to schedule an appointment with any of our offices conveniently located in Everett and Redmond, WA.
