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?

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.