Dental Sealants in Greenville, TX
Because cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, are such a common diagnosis in our practice, our team at Graham Family Dental & Spa in Greenville, TX is proud to offer dental sealants for both children and adults as a reliable preventative measure.
During this quick and simple procedure, your dentist will apply a thin, protective layer of plastic to the teeth that are most prone to developing tooth decay. The coating is durable, relatively long-lasting, and highly effective in stopping bacteria and plaque from plaguing the integrity of your teeth.
Our premolars and molars—the teeth mostly used for chewing our food—have depressions and grooves that aren’t always cleaned well enough during routine brushings. By applying dental sealants to these teeth, the chewing surface is smoothed out, which can be cleaned with ease.
The plastic material that we make our dental sealants work is virtually impenetrable for food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Dental sealants will protect the tiny grooves in the back teeth from collecting bacteria that can eventually cause tooth decay.
Dental sealants can last for up to a decade, but will eventually need to be replaced. Regular visits to our office and proper oral hygiene habits at home will ensure your dental sealants stay in good shape for the longest time possible.
The application procedure is quick and completely painless. After a thorough cleaning, the teeth are kept dry before a solution is applied that creates a rougher surface to which the sealant can bond. Following another rinse, the teeth are dried once again, and the dental sealant gets painted onto the surface. The sealant will harden and semi-permanently bond to the teeth.
The procedure is considered to be one of the most effective methods for preventing cavities—even the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that all children bearing their adult teeth should have dental sealants applied.
However, our expert dentist will also recommend dental sealants for our adult patients who are at risk of developing tooth decay.
If you think dental sealants might be right for you, schedule an appointment today. The care we provide at Graham Family Dental & Spa is the best in the Greenville, TX area. Your oral health is our top priority.
Who should get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers as they are in the most cavity-prone years of life, typically between 6 and 14. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Our dentist can assess if sealants are a good option for you or your child.
How are dental sealants applied?
The application of dental sealants is a quick and painless process. Our dentist cleans and dries the tooth before placing an acidic gel to roughen the teeth. This helps the sealant bond to the tooth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried before applying the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth. A special light may be used to harden the sealant.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental visits. Our dentist can replace sealants as necessary, ensuring continuous protection against cavities.