Dental Sealants
At Monarch Family Dental of Westminster, our professional sealants can offer additional protection for your teeth. As it can be a challenge to clean every spot on and around your teeth, dental sealants can give you an extra layer of protection and are designed to help prevent decay and cavities.
Who Are Dental Sealants Suitable For?
Although most dental sealants are applied as soon as the back teeth come through, adult dental sealants aren’t uncommon.
Dental sealants are also recommended for those who have grooves and deep pits in their back teeth, as this can put them at a greater risk of suffering from cavities. Dental sealants can benefit both adults and children, although they are typically recommended for molars once they emerge from the gumline.
How Do Sealants Work?
A dental sealant works by sealing the biting surface of the back teeth against bacteria and plaque. Essentially, they fill the tiny fissures and pits where plaque will typically accumulate and cause cavities.
When bacteria that can cause cavities in the mouth meet with food particles, they produce acids that can lead to holes in the teeth, aka cavities. Once a dental sealant is applied, it will keep the food out and prevent acids and bacteria from settling on your teeth. You can liken a dental sealant to a raincoat for your teeth, helping them stay clear and clean.
After cleaning and drying your teeth, we will gently roughen the surface of teeth using acidic gel; this creates a bond between the sealant and the tooth. The gel is left for just a few seconds on the surface of the tooth before it is removed. The sealant will then be applied to the tooth, and a special blue light will then harden it. The procedure is quick and painless.
Why Are Dental Sealants Needed?
Flossing and brushing are the best ways to help avoid issues with dental cavities. However, cleaning every little nook and cranny, particularly the back teeth, isn’t always possible. Dental sealants can help act as a safety net by providing a fine protective coating that gets adhered to the chewing surface of your molars.
Although they are no substitute for regular flossing and brushing, they can help to prevent the formation of cavities and can stop the early stages of decay from turning into a fully formed cavity. In molars, dental sealants can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay by as much as 80%.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Most professional dental sealants will last for several years before they need to be re-applied. As long as you keep to your regular dental check-ups, we will be able to check the condition of your dental sealant and reapply if it is required.
Dental sealants are part of the suite of preventative services offered by Dr. Jorge Rojas to the patents of Monarch Family Dental of Westminster.
PATIENT REVIEWS
HOURS
| Monday | 8:00am – 5:00pm* |
| Tuesday | 9:00am – 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 8:00am – 5:00pm |
| Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
*Every other week, by appointment. Call for more information.
