Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment for cavities. Though brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health, dental sealants decrease the risk of cavities in the back molars by nearly 80%. At Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, in Woodbridge, Virginia, the team provides dental sealants for pediatric and adult patients. To learn more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that protects molars and premolars from tooth decay. They work by sealing out the bacteria that cause cavities and preventing plaque and tartar from forming on the tooth.

Dentists use various types of dental sealants made from different materials. Most dental sealants are clear; however, the team at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, may use sealants made from a material they can customize to match the color of your teeth. 

Am I a candidate for dental sealants?

The Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, team determines if you’re a candidate for dental sealants after an oral exam. They use dental sealants for patients at high risk of developing cavities or for those who struggle to maintain a daily dental hygiene routine.

The board-certified pediatric dentist at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, recommends dental sealants for children to protect their newly erupted molars while they learn how to brush and floss their teeth properly.

What happens during the placement of dental sealants?

Your dentist at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, first professionally cleans your teeth to remove all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Then, they place an acidic gel on the chewing surface of your teeth to rough up the enamel, making it easier for the sealant to bond to the tooth.

Your dentist brushes the sealant over the chewing surface of the teeth once the acidic gel is completely dry. They may use a curing light to dry the sealant and then polish and shape it to fit your bite.

You can resume your normal activities following your dental sealant treatment. 

How long do dental sealants protect my teeth?

Dental sealants give you the highest level of protection during the first two to four years after placement. However, your dental sealants may continue to protect your teeth for up to nine years.

The American Dental Association (ADA) says dental sealants reduce your risk of tooth decay by 80% in the first two years and 50% after three to four years. They recommend having your sealants reapplied after that.

Your dental sealants may wear out faster or fall out if you smoke, bite your nails, chew ice, or use your teeth to open things. Teeth grinding may also wear away your dental sealants faster.

To learn more about dental sealants and how they can protect your teeth, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.