Dental Sealants in Ormond Beach
Dental sealants are a simple, painless way to protect your teeth from cavities. At Taborda Dentistry, we paint a thin protective coating onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth, smoothing over the deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria tend to collect. Sealants act as a shield against tooth decay and are a popular preventive treatment for children and adults throughout Ormond Beach FL.
Request an AppointmentHow Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth
The back teeth, called molars and premolars, have natural grooves and depressions that help with chewing. Unfortunately, these rough surfaces can be very hard to clean, even if you brush regularly. Food particles and plaque settle into these crevices, creating the perfect environment for cavities to form. A sealant fills in these grooves and creates a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean.
Who Can Benefit From Sealants?
Sealants are most often recommended for children and teens, ideally as soon as their permanent molars come in, since these years are when cavity risk is highest. However, we also place sealants for adults who have deep grooves in their teeth or a history of cavities. Sealants work best on healthy teeth that do not yet have decay or fillings.
The Sealant Process Is Quick and Painless
Getting sealants requires no drilling or numbing. The process typically involves:
- Cleaning and drying the teeth to be sealed
- Applying a gentle solution to help the sealant bond to the enamel
- Painting the liquid sealant onto the grooves of each tooth
- Hardening the sealant with a special curing light
The entire treatment usually takes just a few minutes per tooth, making it easy to add to a routine cleaning and exam.
Caring for Your Sealants
Sealants can last for several years with proper care. Continue brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting our office every six months so we can check your sealants and reapply them if needed. Sealants are one part of a complete preventative dentistry plan that may also include fluoride treatments or silver diamine fluoride for early decay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants made of?
Sealants are made from a thin, tooth-safe plastic resin that bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are often placed when the first permanent molars appear, around age six, and again when the second molars come in around age twelve.
Do adults get dental sealants?
Yes. Adults with deep grooves or a higher risk of cavities can benefit from sealants on healthy back teeth.
Does getting sealants hurt?
No. Sealants are painted onto the teeth with no drilling or numbing required, making them a comfortable experience for kids and adults.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last several years. We check them at each dental exam and can repair or reapply them as needed.
Do I still need to brush and floss with sealants?
Yes. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but brushing and flossing are still needed to clean the rest of your teeth and gums.
Can sealants be placed over cavities?
Sealants are designed for healthy teeth. If a tooth has decay, it may need a filling or other treatment first.
Protect Your Family’s Smiles With Sealants
Help prevent cavities with quick, comfortable dental sealants at Taborda Dentistry. Call (386) 267-4718 or request an appointment online today, and explore all of our dental services.
