Sealants

No matter how good you are at brushing your teeth, dozens of areas within your mouth can’t be reached with a toothbrush. Just because your toothbrush can’t reach these areas doesn’t mean food particles and bacteria can’t accumulate and cause tooth decay. At Pike & Valega, DDS, we can help you protect those hard-to-reach areas from tooth decay and cavities by applying dental sealants to your teeth.

Dental Sealants Are a Preventative Treatment

Dental sealants are thin, transparent coatings applied directly to the surface of the teeth. The sealant, which hardens after application, forms a barrier that protects the tooth from the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Sealants are commonly applied to back molars. The tops of the back molars have pits and bumps, which can be difficult to reach when brushing. Applying the dental sealant to the molar creates a smoother surface that is easier to clean.

Dental sealants are considered a form of preventative dentistry. It doesn’t completely prevent dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, from developing. However, it can dramatically reduce your risk of experiencing these problems.

Dental Sealants Are Not a Treatment for Cavities or Gum Disease

Dental sealants are not a treatment for cavities or gum disease. They cannot restore a tooth or stop decay from spreading and damaging a tooth once it has started to accumulate.

Our dental team will conduct a thorough examination and may take digital images and X-rays to determine the health of your teeth and gums. Once we fully understand your oral health, we can determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Anyone, as long as they are a good candidate, could benefit from dental sealants. A good candidate for dental sealants is someone who has relatively healthy teeth and gums.

Since dental sealants are applied directly to each tooth individually, it is possible that they could be applied only to teeth that haven’t been impacted by tooth decay or are in need of treatment.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants don’t last forever, but they can last a long time. Every individual’s situation is different, but dental sealants typically last between two and five years. Practicing good oral hygiene can prolong the lifespan of dental sealants.

Scheduling regular dental exams is also important if you want to prolong the lifespan of dental sealants. During your exam, our dental team will inspect the sealants and make sure they are properly functioning. We will look for any chips or cracks indicating that the sealant should be reapplied.

Ask About Dental Sealants at Your Next Exam or Schedule a Consult

We welcome you to inquire about dental sealants during your next regularly scheduled dental exam at Pike & Valega, DDS. Our dental team will gladly discuss whether you are a good candidate for this type of preventative dentistry.

If you aren’t a current patient and are interested in learning more about dental sealants, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to consult with our experienced dental team at either our Poolesville dental office or our Rockville dental office.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office directly during business hours. To schedule an appointment outside of business hours, feel free to use our request an appointment feature, and we will contact you right away.