Dental sealants provide powerful protection against cavities by creating a smooth barrier over the grooves and pits of your back teeth. These vulnerable areas are where food particles and bacteria often hide, making them difficult to clean with regular brushing. At Cedar Pearl Dental, we apply dental sealants as a quick, painless preventive measure that can protect teeth for years.
Sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers whose newly erupted permanent molars are most susceptible to decay. However, adults with deep grooves in their teeth or those at higher risk for cavities can also benefit from this simple preventive treatment. The application takes just minutes per tooth and requires no drilling or anesthesia.
Back teeth have natural pits and grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly even with careful brushing. Dental sealants fill in these grooves, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to keep clean and less prone to decay. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80 percent, making them one of the most effective preventive treatments available.
Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years with proper care, though we check them at each regular dental visit. If a sealant shows signs of wear or damage, we can easily repair or replace it. The protective benefit far outweighs the minimal time and cost involved, especially when compared to treating cavities that develop without this protection.
Applying dental sealants is a simple, comfortable procedure that takes only a few minutes per tooth. First, we thoroughly clean and dry the tooth. Then we apply a special gel that roughens the tooth surface slightly, helping the sealant bond properly. After rinsing and drying again, we paint the liquid sealant onto the tooth grooves, where it flows into the pits and fissures.
A special curing light hardens the sealant in seconds, creating a protective shield over the tooth. The entire process is painless and requires no shots or drilling. Children typically tolerate the procedure well, and most patients can eat immediately afterward. The smooth, sealed surface makes teeth easier to clean and significantly reduces cavity risk.
Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for dental sealants, particularly when their permanent molars first come in around ages 6 and 12. Protecting these teeth early prevents decay during the cavity-prone years. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants, especially those with deep grooves or a history of cavities.
We evaluate each patient individually to determine whether sealants would provide meaningful protection. Factors like oral hygiene habits, diet, cavity history, and tooth anatomy all influence our recommendation. For many families, sealants offer an affordable way to prevent costly dental problems down the road while maintaining healthy smiles.
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, recognizing their value as preventive care. Coverage for adults varies by plan, but the out-of-pocket cost remains modest compared to treating cavities and other dental problems. Our team will verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage before treatment.
For patients without insurance, we offer affordable payment options including our Cedar Pearl Membership and financing through CareCredit. Investing in preventive care like sealants often saves money in the long run by avoiding more extensive restorative treatments.
Caring for sealed teeth is simple. Continue brushing twice daily and flossing regularly, just as you would with unsealed teeth. The sealants protect the chewing surfaces while proper oral hygiene maintains gum health and cleans other tooth surfaces. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor the sealants and ensure they’re providing ongoing protection.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps, which can damage sealants just as they can damage natural tooth enamel. With normal care, sealants provide years of reliable protection. If you notice any rough spots or feel like a sealant has chipped, contact our office so we can evaluate and repair it if needed.
Protect your family’s smiles with dental sealants at Cedar Pearl Dental. Dr. White and our team provide comprehensive preventive care for patients throughout Crestview and Okaloosa County. We accept most major insurance plans.
Contact our office today at (850) 682-2720 to schedule an appointment or learn more about how dental sealants can benefit your family. We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth through effective preventive care that fits your budget and schedule.
From your first consultation to your ongoing care, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional dental services in a welcoming environment.
Conveniently located in crestview, FL
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OPENING HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (every second Saturday only)
Sunday: Closed
