Dental Sealant

Dental Sealant Dentists In Dulles, VA

Brush, brush, brush. You brush twice daily. That’s enough, right? Well… maybe not. Sometimes brushing just isn’t enough. Brushing alone won’t keep those hard-to-reach spots squeaky clean, and when those hard-to-reach spots aren’t kept squeaky clean, tooth decay moves in.

And tooth decay is a roommate no one wants.

A visit to your Local LDA Dentist for sealant treatment can help.

Made of specially formulated plastic resin, dental sealant bonds to the deep grooves of your tooth’s surface, smoothing and evening and keeping plaque away. Tooth brushing becomes easier as those hard-to-reach spots are minimized. Dental sealants are meant to last three to five years, but it’s not uncommon to see adults with sealants from childhood still intact.

Sealants are most often applied to children’s teeth as a means to protect newly erupted adult teeth against, and prevent tooth decay. But that’s not to say adults cannot have their teeth sealed as well. Only your Loudoun Dental Associates dentist can say if you, or your child is a good candidate for sealants, so contact us for a consultation if you’re interested in discussing them further.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to help prevent tooth decay. These back teeth have deep grooves and fissures where food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate, making them more susceptible to cavities.

The process of applying dental sealants involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the Teeth: The dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth that will receive the sealants to ensure that the surfaces are free of plaque and debris.

2. Etching the Teeth: A mild acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This etching process creates a slightly rough texture, which helps the sealant bond securely to the tooth.

3. Sealant Application: The liquid sealant material is carefully applied to the prepared tooth surfaces. It flows into the grooves and fissures, creating a protective shield over the enamel.

4. Curing or Hardening: A special light may be used to cure or harden the sealant quickly. This ensures that it forms a strong and durable protective layer on the tooth.

Sealants are a non-invasive and cost-effective preventive measure that can help maintain good oral health by reducing the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It’s important to note that sealants are not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups but rather an additional protective measure.