Sealants

Nearly 70 percent of Americans are affected by cavities by the time they reach the age of 19. Cavities are a primary source of dental pain, and can lead to further problems if not quickly corrected. Our job is to help our patients avoid cavities as much as possible. One way we do this is through the application of dental sealants.

Why not take a proactive approach rather than wait for cavities to form? Sealants have been shown to be incredibly safe and effective, especially for children, which makes them a cost-effective dental treatment.

Cavities tend to develop in the grooves and narrow pit on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The reason for the high instance of cavities in this location is that food debris and bacteria can easily collect in these tiny, hard to reach places. By applying dental sealants, we eliminate the deep grooves, blocking out food and bacteria. Coupled with daily oral hygiene that includes twice a day brushing and daily flossing, as well as the use of fluoride products, dental sealants can make an enormous difference in the fight against cavities.

Some of the benefits of sealants include:

• 100 percent effectiveness against cavity development when paired with proper hygiene
• Safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure
• Preventative treatment with dental sealants is less costly than a single dental filling

Sealants are actually painted onto teeth. This liquid quickly hardens to a strong, plastic film. The application process is quite simple, taking only a few minutes per tooth. First, teeth are cleaned to ensure no debris is present in the grooves or crevices. The sealant is then painted on. Sometimes, the hardening process may be helped along with a curing light. Within half an hour to forty-five minutes, treatment is complete and teeth have a greater level of protection than ever before.

Dental sealants are incredibly strong and resilient, and highly effective in preventing cavities. Even with normal chewing force, reapplication of sealants is typically not necessary for several years. During routine dental exams, Dr. Patel will assess sealants, and they will be reapplied as needed.

Although we treat many children with dental sealants, adult teeth can use protection, too! Adult patients may also benefit greatly from the application of dental sealants.

We are committed to serving our pediatric patients with friendly, compassionate care. Contact Aliso Smiles to schedule your child’s dental check-up.