Protect Your Child's Smile with Dental Sealants
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, some areas of the mouth are more prone to cavities than others. The back molars, with their deep grooves and fissures, are particularly vulnerable to trapping food particles and bacteria. At Confidence Family Dentistry, we offer dental sealants as a simple yet powerful solution to protect these teeth from decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—the molars and premolars. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel. This effectively “seals out” food, plaque, and acids, preventing them from causing decay.
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At Confidence Family Dentistry, located in Webster, South Dakota, our passion is your smile. We believe that exceptional dental care goes beyond technical skill—it's about creating a compassionate and supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.
The Sealant Application Process: Quick and Painless
The application of dental sealants is a fast, non-invasive, and completely painless procedure. It typically takes just a few minutes per tooth and does not require any drilling or anesthesia.
- Preparation: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- Application: An acidic solution is applied to the tooth to help the sealant bond to the enamel. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again.
- Sealing: The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth’s chewing surface.
- Curing: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant, bonding it firmly to the tooth in a matter of seconds.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities and are most often recommended for:
- Children and Teenagers: As soon as their permanent molars come in (typically between the ages of 6 and 14), sealants are a great way to protect their young teeth during the cavity-prone years.
- Adults: While sealants are often associated with children, adults with deep grooves in their molars and no signs of decay can also benefit from this protective treatment.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Powerful Cavity Prevention: Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay in the molars by nearly 80%, providing a powerful defense against cavities.
- Cost-Effective: A sealant is significantly less expensive than a dental filling, making it a smart and affordable investment in your long-term oral health.
- Long-Lasting: With good oral hygiene and avoiding chewing on hard objects, sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike a filling, the sealant procedure is quick, comfortable, and doesn’t require any drilling or injections.
Sealants are a simple and effective way to give your family a head start on a lifetime of healthy smiles.
