What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?

At Afton Dental, we believe in prevention as the first line of defense against dental disease. We are pleased to offer a range of preventive services, including dental sealants, to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. The question is, what are dental sealants, and how do they protect your smile?

What Are Dental Sealants?

The molars and premolars have tiny grooves and crevices that trap plaque and food particles, providing cavity-causing bacteria with the ideal environment to flourish. Sealants are thin, plastic resin coatings that we place on the chewing surfaces of the permanent teeth in the back of the mouth. The material flows into every tiny nook and cranny, providing a protective shield. Dental sealants have been shown to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?

At Afton Dental, we typically recommend applying dental sealants as soon as a child’s permanent molars come in, around ages 6 and 12. Placing sealants on these tooth surfaces right from the start helps prevent tooth decay and keeps those pearly whites healthy and bright.

Dental sealants aren’t just for children and teenagers. Adults also benefit from this preventive measure, especially those at a higher risk of tooth decay. A visit to Afton Dental will help you determine whether dental sealants are ideal for your unique needs.

What Is the Dental Sealant Procedure?

Applying sealants is a simple and painless process. We start by cleaning the tooth surfaces and drying them. Next, we paint the sealant material and use a curing light to harden it. The resulting coating provides a protective shield against cavity-causing bacteria.

Caring for Sealed Teeth

Getting sealants placed on your teeth is no substitute for good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. It’s also essential to limit sticky or hard foods that may damage your sealant material.

Dental sealants can last between 3 and 5 years, although they often last much longer. During your routine dental checkups, our team will examine your sealants to ensure they are free from damage. We may recommend re-applying the sealant material, as needed, to continue protecting your teeth and preventing cavities.

Dental Sealants Near Me in Concord, NC

Visit Afton Dental to determine whether you or your child would benefit from dental sealants. Dr. Hill and his team are committed to providing quality preventive services for healthy, beautiful smiles that last. We invite you to call us at 704-788-1717 to schedule your appointment today!