Stay Ahead of Tooth Decay with Quick and Affordable Dental Sealants
Tooth decay can make life miserable for children and adults, yet it’s one of the most ubiquitous dental issues. At Sac Dentist, Dr. Steven Phan offers dental sealants to patients in and around Sacramento, Carmichael, California, and other surrounding suburbs. Dental sealants protect teeth against harmful bacteria and acids, helping to maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile. Take a proactive approach to your oral health — protect your teeth with dental sealants today!
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating from a strong resin material. Teeth sealants are typically applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Why? These posterior teeth have natural pits and grooves that are hard to clean, no matter how well you brush your teeth. Over time, these small, tight spaces trap food, harmful bacteria, and plaque, which causes tooth decay.
A dental sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier over your teeth, blocking decay-causing bacteria and simplifying cleaning. Dental sealants are either white or clear, providing a discreet treatment.
How are dental sealants applied?
Protecting your smile with dental sealants is simple, quick, and painless. Here’s what you can expect.
- Professional teeth cleaning: Like painting a wall or your car, you need a clean, debris-free surface to create a good seal. The dentist will professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and other deposits that could impact your procedure.
- Drying your teeth: Water can prevent the sealant from adhering properly. The doctor will use a cotton swab and suction tool to isolate and dry your teeth. Then, the dentist applies an etching gel on your teeth for better adhesion.Â
- Application: The dentist applies the liquid sealant to your clean and dry teeth, carefully covering the pits and grooves. This fills those small crevices and fissures, creating a smooth, protective barrier.
- Curing the sealant: Dr. Phan uses a special light to harden the sealant. Within seconds, the sealant hardens and forms a durable shield that withstands everyday chewing and brushing.
Who needs dental sealants?
Fissure sealants are suitable for everyone, but they are particularly vital for:
- Children: This is the primary target group for teeth sealants. Children are vulnerable to cavities because of thinner enamel and poor oral hygiene. Dental sealants protect developing teeth against tooth decay.Â
- Adults with deeper grooves: Even with proper oral hygiene, adults whose teeth have naturally deep grooves can still develop cavities. Sealants help fill these surfaces to prevent harmful acids and bacteria from causing damage.
- People at high cavity risk: Poor genetics, dry mouth, certain underlying conditions, and so forth can increase the risk of tooth decay. Dental sealants provide much-needed protection to reduce the risk of decay.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Beyond decay prevention, dental sealants provide the following benefits:
- Cost-effectiveness: Think of dental sealants as an investment in your smile. Preventing decay saves your wallet from costly dental repairs.Â
- Non-invasive: Sealants are applied directly to teeth without enamel drilling or other invasive procedures.Â
- Quick and painless procedure: Sealants can be applied quickly in just a few minutes, using a painless process that does not require anesthesia.
- Long-lasting protection: Although not permanent, dental sealants provide durable protection.
Can I afford dental sealants?
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier that helps prevent cavities, especially on the back teeth. For patients without insurance, sealants are $71 per tooth, while most insurance plans cover the procedure in full for children and teens. Preventive care, like sealants, can significantly reduce future dental costs. We also provide flexible payment options, including CareCredit financing and our in-house membership plan, to make it simple and affordable to protect every member of your family’s smile.
Ready for Sacramento dental sealants?
Dental sealants offer essential protection against tooth decay, helping keep your smile healthy and attractive for years. Patients in and around Sacramento, California, can safeguard their teeth with dental sealants from Sac Dentist. Call (916) 999-7830 to schedule your appointment!
