Protect Your Smile from Decay with Quick and Minimally Invasive Dental Sealants
Stein Family Dentistry aims to ensure our patients avoid treatments as much as possible. We know teeth with the least restorations enjoy the lowest risk of future problems. Dental or fissure sealants are an excellent way to maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles. Once applied on the biting surfaces of your teeth, dental sealants are an effective way of keeping out acids, harmful bacteria, and other unhealthy deposits from your teeth.
Always battling tooth decay, no matter how well you clean your teeth? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Andy Stein in Spokane, Washington, to protect your smile with dental sealants.
How do dental sealants work?
Run your tongue over your back teeth—feel those deep pits and grooves? These intricate surfaces help grind and chew food but have tiny crevices that your toothbrush bristles can’t fully reach. This is why molars and premolars are more prone to cavities and decay, as plaque and bacteria can easily hide in these hard-to-reach spots.
A dental sealant is a thin, colorless protective coat applied to the chewing surfaces of cavity-prone teeth. Dental sealants create a smooth surface, which makes brushing easy. When applied to vulnerable surfaces, dental sealants create a smooth barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from settling in and causing decay.
Dental sealants are ideal for patients of all ages. Although sealants are common in children because they are more vulnerable to decay, they can also help adults battling cavities.
How are dental sealants applied?
The procedure is quick, painless, and minimally invasive. First, the dentist will clean your teeth to eliminate built-in plaque and tartar and create a clean, healthy surface. Next, the dentist will apply a conditioning gel to create a rough surface for the sealant to stick on.
Next, the dentist will dry your teeth and paint the sealant onto the chewing surfaces, carefully covering the deep grooves. Afterward, a special curing light will be applied to the sealed teeth, setting the sealant in place within minutes. That’s it! Your teeth are now sealed and protected from decay-causing bacteria.
What are the benefits of fissure sealants?
Sealants can last several years with proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and bi-annual dental visits. However, they may occasionally need repair or replacement to continue protecting your teeth.
Here are the benefits of dental sealants.
- Application is quick and minimally invasive
- Discreet, natural-looking outcomes
- Cost-effective way of maintaining your healthy smile
- Help with tooth sensitivity
- Ideal for patients of all ages
- Relatively long-lasting results
Alongside diligent brushing and flossing, dental sealants are effective in protecting your teeth from decay. So, why wait?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sealants
Is placing dental sealants painful?
No! Getting dental sealants is entirely painless. The dentist simply cleans the tooth, dries it, and paints the sealant material on the chewing surface. You may feel the tooth being cleaned or rinsed, but nothing hurts.
Sealants also don’t require downtime. You can resume your everyday activities immediately after treatment. Dental sealants are one of the easiest preventive solutions you can opt for.
Are dental sealants effective?
Yes. Sealants protect the deep grooves of molars, where food and bacteria often become trapped. They act as a shield and help lower the risk of cavities. Studies show sealants can reduce decay by up to 80% in back teeth. However, you should brush and floss your teeth diligently to get the most from dental sealants.
Can I get sealants if I already have cavities?
Dental sealants are preventive and are most effective when applied to healthy teeth. If you have cavities, they must be treated first before applying dental sealants. A healthy foundation ensures your sealants remain healthy and solid for many years.
Are dental sealants visible when I speak or smile?
Sealants are barely noticeable. They are usually clear, white, or tooth-colored. And as they are placed on the back teeth, they are not visible when you open your mouth. Most people never notice them at all. Smile, laugh, and talk without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
Are dental sealants safe for everyone, including children?
Yes. Sealants are safe for kids, teens, and adults. They have been used for decades, and the material used poses no known health concerns. Some materials may have BPA, but the level is so minimal. In fact, the BPA exposure risk is lower than that from everyday exposures, such as handling receipts.
How long do dental sealants last? Do they require maintenance?
Sealants typically last 3-5 years, but can last longer with proper maintenance. They require simple maintenance: brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. If you grind your teeth at night, we’ll recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth. During check-ups, we will check for wear and reapply sealants if needed.
Can adults benefit from dental sealants, or are they just for kids?
Everyone is a good candidate for dental sealants. We recommend dental sealants for children as soon as their first permanent molars emerge, typically around age 6, and again around age 12 for the second set of molars. However, this doesn’t mean sealants are only for children. Adults can benefit too. If you have deep grooves in your molars or are at a higher risk of decay, sealants can provide an extra layer of protection.
How much do dental sealants cost in Spokane?
Costs vary, but sealants are generally affordable. The price typically depends on the number of teeth being treated. We’ll provide a cost breakdown during your consultation. Dental sealants prevent the need for costly repairs, which makes them an excellent preventive investment.
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
It depends. Many insurance plans cover sealants for children. Coverage for adults varies. Our office will verify the benefits of your coverage before your procedure. Don’t have insurance? You don’t need it! We’ll discuss how our in-house membership plan will help make your dental care affordable.
Does my local dentist in Spokane, WA, offer dental sealants?
Dental sealants are an excellent solution for maintaining a healthy, cavity-free smile. Ready to get started with dental sealants? Call (509) 463-1770 and schedule an appointment with Stein Family Dentistry.
Are you interested in dental sealants?
Remember, once decay forms, it's irreversible—it must be treated with fillings, crowns, or other restorations. Otherwise, you'll lose your tooth! Protect your smile today with dental sealants. Call (509) 463-1770 to schedule an appointment with Stein Family Dentistry.
