One way to maintain a healthy smile is through our Herndon dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the teeth that provide an extra layer of protection against decay and cavities. While sealants are typically associated with children and adolescents, they also benefit adults. In this blog post, we’ll explore just a few reasons why they may be an excellent option for you.
Protection against Decay and Cavities:
One of the most significant benefits of dental sealants is that they provide a barrier against decay and cavities. Sealants cover the pits and grooves on the surface of your teeth, where bacteria tend to accumulate. These areas can be challenging to clean with brushing and flossing alone. By filling in these crevices, sealants help prevent cavities and reduce your tooth decay risk.
Long-Lasting Protection:
Dental sealants usually last for several years. Depending on your oral health and hygiene habits, they can protect your teeth for up to 10 years. This makes them a cost-effective option for long-term dental health. And we can quickly repair or replace sealants if they chip or wear down over time.
Quick and Painless Procedure:
The process of applying dental sealants is quick and easy. Applying sealants to one tooth typically takes only a few minutes, and we can complete the entire procedure in one visit. No drilling or anesthesia is required, making it a painless and stress-free experience.
Suitable for All Ages:
Sealants can be particularly beneficial for those with deep grooves and pits in their teeth, which tend to accumulate bacteria and are difficult to clean. Adults who want to protect their teeth from decay and cavities can benefit from getting dental sealants, as well as children.
Cost-effective Preventive Measure:
Preventive dental care can save you money and discomfort in the long run. Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and decay. They can also be less expensive than dental fillings. Investing in sealants as a preventive measure can help you save money on costly dental treatments in the future.
Steps Involved With Getting Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants placed is not a complicated process; it can help keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
Step One: Cleaning the teeth
The first step involved with dental sealant placement is cleaning the teeth. Our team will thoroughly clean the teeth that will receive the sealant to ensure no bacteria or debris are present. This is important because any bacteria or debris left on the teeth can affect the bonding process of the sealant, and it can cause decay to develop underneath the sealant.
Step Two: Applying acid etch
After we clean the teeth, we will apply an acid etch to the surface of the teeth. The acid etch will help the sealant bond to the teeth better. We will then rinse off the acid etch with water and dry the teeth.
Step Three: Placement of the sealant
Once the acid etch has been applied and rinsed off, we will place the dental sealant onto your teeth. We will paint the sealant onto the surface of each tooth and then use a special light to cure or harden the sealant onto the teeth. This process only takes a few minutes, and it is not painful.
Step Four: Evaluating the sealant
After placing the sealant, Dr. Jefferies will evaluate it to ensure that it has completely bonded to your teeth and there are no air bubbles or gaps. He may also check your bite to ensure the sealant is not too high or too low.
Herndon Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a simple and effective way to maintain oral health and protect teeth from decay and cavities. Whether you’re a child or an adult, sealants can be an excellent option for preventing dental problems and saving money on costly dental treatments.
We offer dental sealants at Mark Jefferies Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Herndon, Virginia, as part of our comprehensive dental care services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jefferies and his team. Let us show you how our cosmetic, restorative, general, and preventative dentistry can benefit you!