A dental sealant is a preventive treatment our dentists may recommend to protect your teeth from developing cavities. Made from a clear or tooth-colored resin, a sealant is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. These surfaces often contain deep pits and grooves that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean even with regular brushing. By sealing these areas, the resin forms a protective barrier that blocks debris from settling into the tooth, helping to prevent cavities before they start.
Who Benefits from Dental Sealants
Sealants in Chandler, Arizona, are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, especially once their permanent molars erupt. These molars usually appear around ages 6 and 12, and they are particularly vulnerable to decay during the early years after eruption. Applying sealants early can help keep those teeth healthy and free from cavities well into adulthood. However, dental sealants are not just for kids. Adults with deep grooves in their teeth or a history of tooth decay may also benefit from this preventive treatment. If your back teeth are healthy and have not yet been filled or treated for decay, sealants may be an ideal solution for protecting them.
How Sealants Are Applied
The process of applying a dental sealant is quick, simple and completely painless. During your visit, the teeth will first be cleaned and dried. Then, a special solution is applied to roughen the surface slightly, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth. After rinsing and drying again, the sealant material is painted onto the grooves of the tooth and hardened using a curing light. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling, anesthesia or sedation.
Why Dental Sealants Are Effective
Dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities, particularly in the molars, which are responsible for most chewing and are at greater risk for decay. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80 percent. Once applied, sealants can last several years with proper care and regular dental checkups. If needed, they can be easily reapplied to continue providing protection.
Protect Your Smile with Preventive Care
Dental sealants are a smart, proactive way to safeguard your oral health. Whether you are considering sealants for your child or for yourself, our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your dental care. We invite you to call Artistic Dentistry at 480-878-5570 to find out if dental sealants in Chandler, Arizona, are right for you and make an appointment with Dr. Luis Keys, Dr. Karina Keys, Dr. Claudio Cosio or Dr. Lakin Radeka. Take the next step in protecting your healthy, confident smile!