Dental Sealants

Protect Your Child’s Smile with the Power of Sealants

Dental Sealants at Anthony J. Williams DDS

Dental sealants are a proactive, preventive measure in dental care, offering a simple yet effective way to protect your teeth from decay, particularly for molars and premolars. At Anthony J. Williams DDS, we specialize in applying dental sealants as a part of our commitment to maintaining the oral health of our patients. This service is especially beneficial for children and teenagers, but adults can also benefit from sealants if they have no decay or fillings in their molars.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating made from plastic or other dental materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the premolars and molars. These sealants quickly bond into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Why Choose Dental Sealants?

The primary reason to choose dental sealants is to prevent tooth decay. The molars and premolars contain natural pits and fissures that can trap food particles and plaque, making them hard to clean, even with thorough brushing and flossing. Sealants provide a smooth surface that covers these vulnerable areas and reduces the risk of decay.

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

  • Preventive Care: Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are known to reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. This is particularly important for children and teenagers who are still perfecting their oral hygiene skills.
  • Cost-Effective: By preventing cavities, dental sealants also save money in the long run by avoiding the need for fillings, crowns, or caps used to restore decayed teeth.
  • Easy Application: The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. There are no drills or needles involved, making it an ideal preventive solution for patients of all ages, especially children.
  • Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years. However, they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups.

The Process of Applying Dental Sealants

The application of dental sealants is a straightforward, quick, and painless procedure involving a few steps:

  1. Cleaning: The teeth that will be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
  2. Preparation: Each tooth is then dried, and an absorbent material is placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
  3. Conditioning: An acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
  4. Rinsing and Drying: The acid is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.
  5. Application: The sealant is then applied onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

While children and teenagers are the primary candidates for dental sealants, adults can also benefit from them, particularly if they have deep pits and fissures in their molars that remain free from fillings or decay. Dental sealants are most effective if applied soon after the molars and premolars erupt, which means that children should ideally get them at the age of six for their first molars and around age twelve for their second molars.

Care for Your Dental Sealants

Taking care of sealants is straightforward:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects: Ice, hard candies, and other similar objects can potentially damage sealants.
  • Regular dental visits: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the integrity of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you think you or your child could benefit from dental sealants, contact Anthony J. Williams DDS in Beckley, WV today. Our team is ready to provide you with more information about this preventive treatment and help you take a proactive step toward maintaining a healthy smile. Call us to schedule an appointment and find out more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth from decay and save you from future dental procedures.

Remember, with dental sealants, you’re not just protecting your teeth; you’re preserving your overall health and well-being by preventing dental diseases before they start. Join us at Anthony J. Williams DDS to give your teeth the protection they deserve with high-quality pit and fissure sealants.