Dental Sealants in North Carolina
Providing quality general dentistry in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro.
At Carolina Dental Arts, our primary goal is to provide high-quality general dentistry for patients of all ages. We genuinely care about your dental health and well-being and are here to help you avoid more complex procedures. One of the most effective preventive measures we offer is dental sealants, available at all our locations in North Carolina. These coatings provide extra protection to teeth that are vulnerable to decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth with deep groves that are hard to clean and prone to decay, such as molars and premolars. These grooves trap food particles and bacteria, making them susceptible to cavities even with regular brushing and flossing.
Sealants create a protective barrier over these vulnerable areas. Once applied to the cleaned and dried tooth surface, the sealant hardens, forming a smooth, impenetrable layer. This barrier prevents bacteria and acids from causing decay, significantly reducing the risk of cavities and helping maintain your oral health.
Sealants for All Ages
Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to cavities as soon as their first permanent back teeth (six-year molars) come in. Applying sealants to these teeth helps prevent decay during these vulnerable years. In fact, the CDC states that applying sealants at this stage can prevent about 80% of cavities in the first two years and still prevent 50% of cavities after four years.
Adults
Even adults without existing decay can benefit from sealants if they have teeth with deep grooves or depressions. Sealants can protect these areas from developing cavities in the future.
Baby Teeth
In some cases, baby teeth may also need sealants, especially if the child is prone to cavities or if the teeth have deep grooves. Even though the baby teeth will be lost, protecting them is very important as they play a significant role in holding space for permanent teeth.
Applying Dental Sealants: The Process
When you visit Carolina Dental Arts for a sealant application, one of our experienced dentists or dental hygienists will complete the procedure in just a few minutes per tooth. Here’s how it works:
- Cleaning the teeth: We first clean the teeth that need sealing and use cotton to keep the area dry.
- Preparing the teeth: We apply a special solution to the enamel surface that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth. After this, we thoroughly rinse and dry the teeth.
- Applying the sealant: We carefully paint the sealant material onto the enamel, ensuring it fills all the deep grooves and depressions.
- Harden the sealant: The sealant material will harden either on its own or with the assistance of a curing light, depending on the type used.
This painless procedure does not require shots or drilling, making it an easy and stress-free way to protect teeth.
Homecare Tips for Sealants
Several habits can help extend the life of your sealants and overall dental health:
Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the sealant.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
- Visit Carolina Dental Arts every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. At these visits, your dentist will check the condition of your sealants and reapply them if necessary.
Lifestyle Habits
- Use fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your teeth and help prevent decay.
- Drink fluoridated water to aid in cavity prevention.
- If you suffer from bruxism (clenching and grinding), use a night guard or mouth guard to protect your natural teeth and sealants.
Diet
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support overall dental health. Reduce consumption of sugary drinks and snacks to reduce the risk of decay.
- Minimize consumption of hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies that can chip the sealant.
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gummy candies, which can pull at the sealant.
Following these homecare tips will help ensure your sealants last longer and continue to protect your teeth effectively.
Protect Your Teeth With Dental Sealants
At Carolina Dental Arts, we perform all our treatments, including sealant applications, with the highest level of skill, care, and precision. During your next visit, ask us about sealants and how they can help maintain the health of your smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance coverage for dental sealants varies depending on the specific insurance plan and provider. However, many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teenagers, as they effectively prevent cavities in newly erupted permanent molars. This preventive measure is considered cost-effective because it can help avoid more expensive treatments like fillings or crowns in the future.
Some insurance plans may cover sealants for adults, but this is less common. Reviewing your individual insurance policy or speaking with your provider to understand the specific benefits and coverage options available for dental sealants is essential. At Carolina Dental Arts, we can assist you in verifying your insurance coverage and provide detailed information to ensure you receive the preventive care you need.
Dental sealants typically last around five to 10 years, depending on various factors such as oral hygiene practices and chewing habits. Over time, the sealant material may wear down or chip, but we can reapply it as needed during regular dental checkups.
The longevity of dental sealants also depends on avoiding hard or sticky foods that can damage the sealant. Regular dental visits help us monitor sealants and ensure they remain effective in protecting the teeth from decay. With proper care and maintenance, dental sealants can provide long-lasting protection, significantly reducing the risk of cavities in the treated teeth.
Yes, dental sealants are safe and have been widely used for decades as an effective preventive measure against tooth decay. The material used for sealants is a resin-based composite that is biocompatible and non-toxic. The primary safety concern with dental sealants is their potential to contain or release trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA). However, research has shown that BPA exposure from dental sealants is extremely low and temporary, peaking a few hours after application and returning to baseline within 24 hours. Additionally, the minimal amounts of BPA released are significantly below the safe reference dose set by regulatory agencies.
Before application, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant. The procedure is painless and non-invasive, making it suitable for children and adults alike. Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of dental sealants in reducing cavities without causing adverse effects. At Carolina Dental Arts, we use high-quality sealant materials and follow stringent application protocols to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.