Seal Out Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common oral health care concern in America. Dental cavities are a form of tooth decay, and they affect millions of citizens in the United States. At Smiles by Seese we are proud to provide a quick, easy, and painless method of protecting the teeth from decay. Dental sealants are a preventive measure that helps the teeth remain as healthy as possible.

Dental sealants have been available to dental patients for many years, but for a long time they were typically only offered to children. Children’s teeth are vulnerable during adolescence due to the rapid development of the entire body. However, it is now common knowledge that all teeth are susceptible to decay and should be protected. Adults of all ages as well as children can benefit from dental sealants.

Dental sealants literally “seal out” tooth decay. Sealants are applied to the premolars and back molars of the mouth during a single dental visit, typically following a regular cleaning. The premolars and molars are much more susceptible to decay due to the deep grooves and pits that form the surfaces of the teeth. This tooth design is necessary for chewing food and breaking it down for easy digestion, however it also makes it difficult to clean the teeth. Food particles and damaging bacteria often become trapped in the pits and grooves of the back teeth, and they are not easily removed by brushing. Dental sealants protect these back teeth because they form a shield over the teeth and seal out damage.

Dental sealants are painless in application. After the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, a thin, plastic material is painted onto the surfaces of the molars and premolars. This material is hardened by a special curing light, and then the process is over. The entire procedure takes approximately two minutes per tooth, and there is no down time associated with dental sealants. While dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of dental sealants, the out of pocket cost is worth it because of the money that can be saved not having to deal with treatment for tooth decay.

Smiles by Seese is proud to provide dental sealants for patients of all ages. If you are interested in having dental sealants applied to your teeth or to the teeth of your children, please contact our practice today. We welcome any opportunity to promote your oral health!