Dental sealants are a preventive treatment used to protect your teeth from decay. Sealants are made from a tooth-colored or clear resin material and are painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These back teeth often have deep grooves and pits where food particles and plaque can easily collect, making them more susceptible to cavities. By creating a smooth, protective barrier over these vulnerable areas, sealants help block out harmful bacteria and debris.
How Sealants Work
Once applied, the sealant quickly bonds to the enamel and hardens, forming a shield over the tooth. This coating makes it more difficult for plaque to settle in the natural crevices of your teeth, and it also simplifies your daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing become more effective when the tooth surface is smooth and less prone to trapping particles.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children. In fact, many dental professionals advise applying sealants as soon as the first permanent molars appear – typically around the age of 6 – and again when the second set of molars emerges around age 12. This early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay during the cavity-prone years of childhood.
However, sealants are not just for kids. Adults who have healthy molars without fillings or previous decay can also benefit from sealants, especially if their teeth have deep grooves or if they are at a higher risk of developing cavities. Our dentists can evaluate your teeth and let you know if sealants are right for you.
A Quick & Comfortable Treatment
The process of applying dental sealants is fast, simple and completely painless. It typically takes just one visit and involves no drilling or numbing. Our dentists and team will clean and dry the tooth, apply an acidic solution to help the sealant adhere, rinse and dry the tooth again and finally paint on the sealant. A special curing light is then used to harden the material in seconds.
Protect Your Smile With Sealants
Dental sealants in Gilbert, Arizona, are a smart investment in your oral health. They provide an added layer of defense against decay, especially in areas that are harder to reach with regular brushing and flossing. To learn more about how sealants can benefit you or your child, reach out to Dentists 'R Us at 480-558-7500 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali Nia. We are here to help you maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come.