Dental Sealants in Huntsville, AL

Most of us are taught from a young age that “if you don’t brush your teeth, you’ll get a cavity!” As it turns out, our parents’ warnings were true—over 50% of children ages 6-8 have had a cavity in their baby teeth. Luckily, dental sealants can provide an easy and effective way to protect against cavities and infection. These simple yet powerful tools act as a shield for teeth, especially the back ones that are more difficult to clean. Dental sealants offer an extra layer of protection, keeping pesky cavities at bay.

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are protective varnishes applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars (the teeth in the back of your mouth). These sealants quickly bond with all the grooves and depressions of the teeth, creating a defensive shield over the surface. They are often applied as part of a preventative treatment plan and are safe for adults and children. Think of them as waterproof raincoats for your teeth, repelling the harmful effects of leftover food and bacteria.

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

Decay often begins in the areas of your teeth that are difficult to clean, even with diligent brushing. Dental sealants provide a layer of protection, safeguarding your teeth against harmful bacteria, plaque buildup, and cavities. Dental sealants are:

1. Tooth protectors: By sealing out plaque and food, dental sealants help prevent tooth decay.
2. Easy and painless: Applying sealants is quick and non-invasive.
3. Cost-effective: Compared to the cost of treating cavities, sealants are a more affordable option.
4. Long-lasting: Sealants can protect against decay for up to 5 years with proper care.
5. Ideal for children and adults: While commonly suggested for children and teenagers, adults can also benefit from sealants.

The Sealant Application Process

Applying dental sealants is remarkably quick and painless and can be done during a routine dental cleaning visit. The process includes the following steps:

1. Cleaning the teeth: We thoroughly clean the treated teeth to prevent bacteria from being trapped under the sealant material.
2. Preparing the teeth: We will apply an etching solution to roughen the teeth. This helps the sealant bond more effectively to your enamel.
3. Rinsing and drying: Next, the solution is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried.
4. Applying the sealant: We will paint the liquid sealant onto the tooth enamel. Finally, Dr. Clayton will use a specialized curing light to harden the sealant material.

Getting sealants is simple and straightforward—there is no downtime at all! You can return to normal activities immediately, knowing your teeth are better protected from cavities. However, even with sealants, a strong oral hygiene routine is needed to maintain overall dental health.

At What Age Should Sealants Be Considered?

While dental sealants are often used for children and teens, plenty of adults also have them. Children often get sealants when their adult molars and premolars come in, as some of our most cavity-prone years are from around age 6 to 14. In fact, close to half of all children aged 6-19 have sealants.

However, we may also recommend sealants for children with baby teeth that have deep depressions and grooves. This is because good health in primary teeth sets the foundation for the overall well-being of the permanent teeth that follow.

Taking the Next Step

Preventing tooth decay is an essential part of maintaining overall health, and dental sealants play a pivotal role. At Chase Family Dentistry, Dr. Clayton’s expertise makes applying sealants a simple and advantageous process for patients of all ages. Schedule your appointment with us today and take a significant step towards protecting your smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions