When it comes to protecting your family’s oral health, prevention truly is the best medicine. At Accent Family Dentistry in Angier, NC, Dr. Brenda Gong believes in giving patients every advantage in maintaining healthy smiles for life. One of the most effective preventive treatments we offer is dental sealants – a simple, painless procedure that can dramatically reduce your risk of tooth decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from plastic or resin materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing, making them particularly vulnerable to cavity formation.
Think of sealants as a protective barrier that shields these vulnerable areas from harmful bacteria and food particles. Once applied, they create a smooth surface that’s much easier to keep clean and significantly less likely to develop decay.
The Science Behind Sealants
The deep pits and grooves on your molars, called fissures, can be narrower than a single toothbrush bristle. This makes it nearly impossible to remove all the bacteria and food debris that accumulates in these areas, even with excellent oral hygiene habits. Sealants fill in these microscopic spaces, creating a protective shield that prevents cavity-causing bacteria from taking hold.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
While dental sealants are most commonly associated with children and teenagers, they can benefit patients of all ages. At Accent Family Dentistry, we evaluate each patient individually to determine if sealants would be beneficial for their specific oral health needs.
Children and Teenagers
The American Dental Association recommends that children receive sealants on their permanent molars as soon as these teeth emerge, typically between ages 6 and 12. This timing is crucial because it protects the teeth during the cavity-prone years when children are still perfecting their brushing and flossing techniques.
Adults
Adults can also benefit from sealants, especially if they have:
- Deep grooves in their molars that are difficult to clean
- A history of frequent cavities
- Compromised immune systems
- Dry mouth conditions that increase cavity risk
- Difficulty maintaining optimal oral hygiene due to physical limitations
The Sealant Application Process
One of the best things about dental sealants is how quick and comfortable the application process is. At our Angier dental office, Dr. Gong uses advanced technology to ensure precise application and optimal results.
Step-by-Step Process
Preparation: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Conditioning: A mild acidic solution is applied to roughen the tooth surface slightly, helping the sealant bond more effectively.
Application: The liquid sealant material is carefully painted onto the tooth surface, flowing into all the grooves and fissures.
Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant material, creating a durable protective barrier.
BONUS! The entire process typically takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no anesthesia. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants represent one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family’s oral health. With their proven track record of preventing cavities and their comfortable application process, sealants are an excellent investment in long-term dental wellness.
Some of the benefits of dental sealants include:
- Highly Effective Prevention
- Cost-Effective Protection
- Comfortable & Quick
- Long-Lasting Results
Caring for Your Sealants
Maintaining your sealants is simple and requires no special care beyond good oral hygiene. Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit Accent Family Dentistry for your routine cleanings and exams.
Just remember, while sealants are durable, certain habits can damage them:
- Chewing on ice, hard candies, or other hard objects
- Using your teeth as tools to open packages
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Gong may recommend a custom night guard to protect both your sealants and your natural teeth.
Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Family’s Smiles
Don’t wait for cavities to develop – take a proactive approach to your family’s oral health today. Call Accent Family Dentistry today at (919)-234-7617 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how this simple preventive treatment can benefit your oral health for years to come.