Shield Your Teeth from Decay with Dental Sealants

Molars and premolars sometimes have deep grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces. These hard-to-reach areas can make it difficult to effectively clean back teeth with a toothbrush. Dental sealants are plastic coatings that can be painted onto the teeth to protect and shield them from cavity-causing bacteria. At Walnut Pond Dental in Annandale, NJ, Drs. Carson Ferris-Zeolla and Victoria Uryniak offer dental sealants as a preventative measure to help patients combat tooth decay.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Sealants?

Anyone who is at risk for cavities is eligible for dental sealants. This treatment in preventative dentistry is beneficial for patients of all ages. Commonly provided for children as their permanent teeth erupt, sealants can also be applied to primary teeth if necessary. Statistically speaking, patients between the ages of six and 16 are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay. If you have a child who is within this age range, sealants are an excellent way to protect their teeth and invest in their oral health.

Adults who have deep pits and grooves can protect these vulnerable areas with dental sealants. Whether you are prone to cavities or you simply want to prevent them, sealants can be a fantastic solution.

In some cases, children younger than six may benefit from dental sealants. If your toddler has teeth with exceptionally deep depressions or grooves, sealants can be applied to protect them from problems. Many people assume that primary teeth are not necessary; but they serve many purposes. In addition to providing chewing function, they also help your child develop proper speech patterns and “hold space” for the permanent teeth.

Receiving Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are one of the most common procedures in preventative dentistry. When you receive a dental sealant at Walnut Pond, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any food, debris, or bacteria. It will then be rinsed and completely dried. The doctor will then apply dental etch, a mildly acidic solution that will roughen the tooth and prepare it for the sealant. After the etch is rinsed off, the tooth will be thoroughly dried again, and the liquid sealant will be applied. Finally, the sealant will be hardened with a special curing light. This straightforward process typically takes about five to ten minutes to complete. Typically, you can eat and drink immediately following the placement of your sealant.

Maintaining Your Sealants

To ensure your sealants are working properly, they will be checked at every routine dental exam. It is also important to practice excellent oral hygiene. While sealants adequately protect the teeth, they are not substitutes for proper brushing and flossing. Because sealants only cover the chewing surfaces of the teeth, it is important to receive fluoride treatments as recommended by your doctor. This will reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.

Learn More about Preventative Dentistry

By investing in preventative treatments such as dental sealants, you are investing in your long-term oral health. No matter your age, you can benefit from these protective measures. If you would like to learn more about preventative dentistry, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, reach out to a team member. You can call our office at (908) 200-7007 or contact us online anytime.