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How Sealants Help with Long-Term Protection
At Newark Smiles Dental in our goal is for our patients to require as the least amount of dental treatment as possible. Children who enter adulthood with the fewest restored teeth will enjoy the lowest risk of future problems.
Sealants can dramatically reduce the number of cavities a child might develop throughout their childhood. On the chewing surface of molars, deep grooves run into the center of the teeth. Under a microscope, these crevices might look like a deep canyon. Most of them are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle but wide enough for bacteria to hide. It’s easy to see how cavities can form in such a perfect hideout.
If the grooves in permanent molars are sealed at a young age, the risk of decay occurring on the chewing surfaces decreases dramatically. Fortunately, this procedure can be done quickly and without any discomfort or anesthetic. The sealant material creates a smooth surface, filling in the grooves, and making the biting surface easier for little hands to keep clean. A resin material is flowed over the grooves and is sealed quickly with a blue activating light. Within a few minutes, your child’s teeth are protected against cavities.
Sealants only last a few years and may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. However, research confirms a 90% reduction in tooth decay along the chewing surface in sealed molars. This cost-effective, simple step may help your child enter adulthood with fewer fillings and less risk of significant dental issues in the future.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
- Children with New Permanent Molars - Sealants are most effective when applied soon after permanent molars erupt, helping prevent cavities from the start.
- Teenagers - Teens with deep grooves in their molars can benefit from added protection during cavity-prone years.
- Adults at Higher Risk - Adults with deep grooves, frequent cavities, dry mouth, or other risk factors may also benefit from sealants.
- Children Prone to Cavities - For kids with a history of tooth decay, sealants provide an extra layer of defense against future cavities.
What Happens During a Dental Sealant Application
Getting dental sealants at Newark Smiles Dental is one of the quickest and most straightforward procedures we offer. Here's exactly what the process looks like:
Step 1 — Cleaning the Tooth
The tooth is first thoroughly cleaned to remove any existing plaque or debris from the grooves and chewing surface. This ensures the sealant bonds securely to a clean surface.
Step 2 — Preparing the Surface
A mild acidic solution is briefly applied to the chewing surface to slightly roughen the enamel, creating a better bonding surface for the sealant material. This is completely painless and takes just seconds.
Step 3 — Rinsing & Drying
The tooth is rinsed thoroughly and dried completely before the sealant is applied.
Step 4 — Applying the Sealant
The liquid resin sealant material is carefully flowed into the grooves and pits of the chewing surface, filling every crevice where bacteria would otherwise hide.
Step 5 — Curing with Light
A blue activating light is used to harden the sealant quickly, bonding it firmly to the tooth surface in just a matter of seconds.
Step 6 — Check & Done
Your dentist or hygienist will check the bite and make any minor adjustments needed. That's it. Your child's tooth is now protected. The entire process typically takes less than five minutes per tooth.
Trusted Dental Sealants Serving Newark & the East Bay
Newark Smiles Dental is proud to offer dental sealants as part of our comprehensive preventive care services for patients throughout Newark, Fremont, Union City, Hayward, and the greater East Bay area. We believe that the best dental treatment is the treatment you never need and sealants are one of the most powerful tools we have to help your child grow up with a healthy, strong smile and as few fillings as possible.
Our team will assess whether sealants are appropriate for your child at their routine exam and walk you through the process clearly before we begin.
Ready to Protect Your Child's Smile in Newark, CA?
Dental sealants take just minutes and can make a lasting difference to your child's long-term dental health. We're welcoming new patients at Newark Smiles Dental. book your child's appointment today.
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