Sealants
Sealants offered in Chesapeake, VA
You know that preventing cavities is vital to maintaining a healthy smile, but the job may be easier than you think. At Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry in Chesapeake, Virginia, skilled general dentist Harry Squire, DDS, offers dental sealants to help. Regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, routine dental exams, and dental sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. For children and adults, sealants are a simple, comfortable preventive treatment that can help protect vulnerable areas of the teeth. To book a consultation and learn more, call the office or schedule online today.
Sealants FAQ's
What are dental sealants, and how do they work?
The chewing surfaces of your back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars, have natural grooves and pits that can trap food particles and bacteria. Even when brushing, they’re hard to clean. So, Dr. Squire uses dental sealants to add a protective layer to your teeth.
During a sealant treatment, Dr. Squire carefully cleans and prepares your tooth before applying the sealant material, which flows into the grooves, creating a smooth barrier over its surface. Then, he hardens the sealant with a special curing light.
This protective coating helps prevent bacteria and food debris from settling into the tooth’s grooves and contributing to cavities in vulnerable areas. Sealants don’t replace good oral hygiene, but work nicely alongside daily brushing and flossing.
Who can benefit from sealants?
Dr. Squire may recommend sealants for children and teenagers because they’re still forming good hygiene habits, and newly erupted permanent molars can be more prone to cavities.
Dental sealants are helpful for adults, too, particularly if they have:
- Deep tooth grooves
- A history of cavities
- Areas that are particularly difficult to keep clean
Dr. Squire can determine whether sealants are right for you.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are noninvasive, typically painless, and don’t require the removal of healthy tooth structure. Sealants are carefully applied to the tooth’s surface to help protect it from decay.
Dr. Squire can discuss the sealant material used in the practice and answer any questions you may have about safety, ingredients, or whether sealants are right for you or your child.
How long do dental sealants last?
Depending on factors such as chewing habits, oral hygiene, and your tooth’s location, sealants can remain effective for several years with proper care. During routine dental examinations, Dr. Squire checks the sealants for wear.
Dental sealants are just one component of the comprehensive preventive dentistry at Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry. Combined with regular dental visits, professional cleanings, fluoride when appropriate, and consistent brushing and flossing, sealants can help keep your smile healthy for years.
Schedule a visit for yourself or your child by calling the Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry office or booking online today.