Step Up Your Preventive Dental Care with Dental Sealants

Need an upper hand against tooth decay? Travis A Bell DDS PLLC offers dental sealants to patients in and around Greensboro, North Carolina. These thin, protective coatings shield your teeth from harmful bacteria and acids, reducing the risk of cavities on the surfaces sealed by approximately 80 percent! Placing dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive.

What are dental sealants?

Brushing and flossing your teeth are effective in preventing decay-causing bacteria. However, sometimes, you need extra protection with dental sealants. Teeth sealants are colorless resin coatings and are applied over the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars to cover natural pits and grooves that trap harmful bacteria. Sealants also create a smoother surface that is easier to brush and floss.

Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection, preventing decay and the need for restorative treatments. Provided you observe good oral hygiene and routine visits, dental sealants offer a near-perfect solution against tooth decay.

How are dental sealants placed?

First, the dentist will professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Then, we’ll dry your teeth and apply an etching solution to create a strong surface for better adhesion. Next, the dentist applies the liquid sealant with a small brush, covering the pits and fissures of your teeth.

The dentist will use a special curing light to harden the resin material in minutes. Once set, we’ll carefully inspect your teeth to ensure complete coverage and protection. That’s it! In just a few minutes, dental sealants provide long-lasting defense against cavities for many years.

Who are the ideal candidates for sealants?

Dental sealants are widely used for children, as their developing teeth are more prone to cavities. By applying a protective barrier, sealants offer long-lasting protection against decay.

However, sealants aren’t just for kids—teens and adults can also benefit, especially those with deep grooves in their teeth or a history of cavities. If you’re looking for extra protection against decay, ask your dentist if dental sealants are right for you!

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Fissure sealants are effective against tooth decay and offer the following benefits.

  • Minimally invasive: Dental sealants are non-invasive. They don’t involve any drilling or excisions so your teeth are not damaged at all during the process. 
  • Painless experience: The procedure involves applying dental sealant directly to your teeth. The procedure doesn’t cause pain, and no anesthesia is needed. This gentle procedure is welcome news for patients with dental anxiety. 
  • Quick treatment: The procedure can be completed within minutes, so expect minimal interruptions to your everyday life. 
  • Long-lasting effects: Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with good maintenance. Although cracks and chips can develop over time, they are easily repairable. 
  • Effectiveness: According to the CDC, dental sealants can prevent tooth decay by 80%, and this protection continues over the years. 
    Cost-effective: Dental sealants are cost-effective and often covered by dental insurance. Plus, they help prevent cavities, reducing the need for costly restorative treatments in the future.
  • Safety: Dental sealants are made from biocompatible materials and have been used for decades to protect teeth. The amount of BPA (bisphenol-A) in sealants is extremely low—far below harmful levels—and poses no health risk.

Ready to protect your teeth with sealants?

Prevent tooth decay before it forms with dental sealants in Greensboro, NC. Call Travis A Bell DDS PLLC at (336) 274-8386, and take the first step towards protecting your teeth with dental sealants. Drs. Travis A. Bell and Janna C. Matko can’t wait to help you maintain a healthy smile.