When it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities, brushing and flossing your teeth are critically important. Additionally, Porter Dental Health Clinic offers a special dental material called a sealant that provides extra protection against tooth decay.
Dentists have used these thin plastic coatings for decades to shield the teeth from cavity-causing bacteria and leftover food particles. Painted onto the chewing surface of the teeth, sealants act as a physical barrier to block out bacteria and acid. Sealants are considered a very safe and cost-effective preventative dentistry strategy, and they can last up to several years at a time.
Although sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, they are very useful for keeping the teeth healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, school-aged children without sealants are three times more likely to get cavities than children with sealants.
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When and Where Are Sealants Used?
Sealants are primarily used on the back teeth (e.g., the premolars and molars). The chewing surfaces of these teeth have many grooves and depressions where bacteria and food debris love to hide. Forming a physical shield over the enamel of the teeth prevents bacteria and food debris from accumulating in these tiny nooks and crannies.
Anyone can get a sealant at any age. However, children and teenagers are ideal candidates for sealants because the earlier they can have the plastic coatings placed over their teeth, the less likely they are to develop cavities.
Sometimes sealants are placed over existing areas of early decay to prevent it from worsening. If this is the case, we will check the tooth regularly to make sure the sealant is working and the decay has not progressed.
The Process of Getting a Dental Sealant
Sealants can usually be placed during a relatively quick in-office procedure. There is normally no pain or discomfort.
First, the tooth or teeth receiving the sealant is cleaned and dried. Drs. Porter or Warren place a special acidic gel over the tooth’s chewing surface to prepare it to receive the sealant. The gel lightly roughens up the tooth enamel to improve the bond between the tooth and the sealant.
After wiping off the gel and drying the tooth again, we paint the liquid plastic sealant material over the grooves of the tooth, using a special blue light to harden the sealant material.
Once in place, sealants cannot be seen or felt. They keep leftover bits of food out of the deep grooves of the teeth, and prevent bacteria and acids from settling on the teeth and turning into cavities.
Why Choose Us For Dental Sealants
At Porter Dental Health Clinic in Hot Springs, Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren focus on preventive care that protects your teeth before problems start. Patients from Hot Springs and Malvern trust our team because we take a proactive approach to cavity prevention for both children and adults.
Dental sealants may seem simple, but proper placement requires attention to detail. Our dentists carefully evaluate the grooves and chewing surfaces of your back teeth to determine where sealants will provide the greatest benefit. They ensure the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared so the material bonds securely.
Prevention works best when it fits into a larger oral health plan. Our experienced dentists consider factors such as cavity risk, enamel strength, and hygiene habits before recommending treatment. This individualized approach helps protect vulnerable areas while supporting long-term dental health.
Our team also monitors sealants during routine visits to confirm they remain intact. If normal biting and chewing cause wear over time, we can reapply the material to maintain protection. By combining experience, consistency, and preventive strategy, we help patients reduce the risk of future decay.
FAQs About Dental Sealants
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Children and teenagers often benefit most from sealants because newly erupted molars have deep grooves that trap bacteria easily. However, adults with healthy back teeth and no existing fillings in those areas may also benefit. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine if sealants are appropriate.
Do Sealants Replace the Need for Brushing and Flossing?
No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, but they do not cover every surface of the tooth. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleanings remain essential for preventing cavities and gum disease.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Sealants can last several years with normal chewing. During your regular dental exams, your dentist will check their condition. If a sealant shows signs of wear, we can reapply it to maintain protection.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Dental sealants have been used for decades and are widely considered safe and effective. The materials are designed specifically for dental use and create a protective barrier over the enamel without affecting the natural tooth structure.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Yes. While sealants are commonly associated with children, adults who have deep grooves in their molars and no significant decay in those areas may also benefit. Sealants provide added protection in spots that are difficult to clean thoroughly.
Will My Child Feel the Sealant on Their Tooth?
Once placed and hardened, sealants are smooth and typically unnoticeable. Most patients adjust immediately and do not feel a difference when biting or chewing.
Sealants are very durable and can withstand normal biting and chewing forces. Drs. Porter and Warren check the integrity of a sealant during every dental visit and can reapply the sealant when needed.
Learn More about Dental Sealants to Prevent Tooth Decay
For more information about dental sealants for you or your child, please schedule an appointment with the team at Porter Dental Health Clinic. You can reach us by giving us a call or by sending us an email.