Dental Sealants
Advanced Cavity Protection
Dental sealants provide exceptional protection against cavities by creating a smooth, protective barrier over the deep grooves and pits of your back teeth. At Irmo Dentistry, Dr. Jameson Davis and our experienced team apply these thin, plastic coatings to vulnerable tooth surfaces where decay commonly begins. This simple, painless procedure significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities in areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing alone.
Our sealant application process utilizes the latest materials and techniques to ensure long-lasting protection for patients throughout Irmo and surrounding South Carolina communities. While traditionally associated with pediatric dentistry, adult sealants are increasingly recognized as valuable preventive tools for patients of all ages who want maximum protection against tooth decay. We carefully evaluate each patient’s individual risk factors and tooth anatomy to determine the best candidates for sealant treatment, ensuring optimal results and long-term oral health benefits.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL SEALANTS
Superior Cavity Prevention
Dental sealants reduce the risk of decay in back teeth by up to 80% by creating a physical barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from settling in deep grooves. This protective coating is especially effective in areas where toothbrush bristles cannot adequately reach, providing comprehensive protection against cavity formation.
Long-lasting Defense
High-quality dental sealants can protect your teeth for many years with proper care and regular dental visits. Most sealants last 5-10 years before requiring replacement, providing excellent long-term value and continuous protection against decay. Regular monitoring ensures optimal performance and timely replacement when needed.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Investing in dental sealants costs significantly less than treating cavities that may develop without protection. This preventive treatment helps you avoid expensive fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures while maintaining your natural tooth structure. Many insurance plans cover sealants, making this protection both affordable and financially wise.
STEPS OF PROCEDURE
Process
Step 1
Tooth Evaluation and Preparation
We carefully examine your teeth to identify those that would benefit most from sealant protection. The selected teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper sealant adhesion. We isolate the treatment area to maintain a dry working environment throughout the procedure.
Step 2
Tooth Surface Conditioning
The chewing surfaces of the teeth are lightly etched with a mild acidic solution to create a slightly rough texture that helps the sealant bond securely to the tooth enamel. This conditioning process takes only a few seconds and is completely painless for the patient.
Step 3
Sealant Application
We apply the liquid sealant material to the prepared tooth surfaces, ensuring complete coverage of all pits and grooves. The sealant flows into the deepest areas of the tooth anatomy, creating a smooth, even surface that is easy to clean and maintain with regular oral hygiene.
Step 4
Light Curing
A special curing light hardens the sealant material within seconds, creating a durable, long-lasting protective barrier. This polymerization process ensures that the sealant becomes a permanent part of your tooth surface, providing immediate protection against decay-causing bacteria and acids.
Step 5
Final Evaluation and Adjustment
We check the sealed teeth to ensure proper coverage and make any necessary adjustments to the bite. The smooth sealant surface is evaluated for completeness, and we provide instructions for caring for your newly sealed teeth to maximize their protective benefits and longevity.
Who Benefits from Sealants
While dental sealants are commonly associated with children and teenagers, adults can also benefit significantly from this protective treatment. Patients with deep grooves in their back teeth, those with a history of cavities, or individuals at high risk for decay due to medical conditions or medications are excellent candidates for sealant treatment. Adults who have maintained cavity-free back teeth but want additional protection often choose sealants as a proactive measure.
At Irmo Dentistry, we evaluate each patient’s unique oral health needs and risk factors to determine the most appropriate candidates for sealant treatment. Factors we consider include tooth anatomy, cavity history, oral hygiene habits, dietary factors, and overall health status. Our goal is to provide personalized preventive care that maximizes protection while being cost-effective and appropriate for your individual circumstances and long-term oral health goals.
Preventive Care Specialist
Dr. Jameson Davis brings extensive experience in preventive dentistry to his sealant treatments, having applied thousands of sealants throughout his career in both pediatric and general dentistry. His background with Irmo Kids Dental has given him particular expertise in sealant application techniques and patient management, ensuring comfortable, successful treatment experiences for patients of all ages. Dr. Davis stays current with the latest sealant materials and application techniques to provide his patients with the most durable and effective protection available. His gentle approach and attention to detail ensure that every sealant application is thorough, comfortable, and provides maximum long-term benefits. He believes that sealants represent one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available and takes pride in helping his patients avoid the pain and expense of cavity treatment through proactive protection.
FAQS
Are dental sealants only for children?
While sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent molars, adults can also benefit from this protective treatment. Adult candidates include those with deep grooves in their back teeth, patients with a history of cavities, or individuals at higher risk for decay due to medical conditions or medications. We evaluate each patient individually to determine if sealants would provide beneficial protection.
How long do dental sealants last?
High-quality dental sealants typically last 5-10 years with proper care and regular dental checkups. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene habits, dietary choices, teeth grinding, and the quality of the original application. We monitor sealants during routine visits and recommend replacement when they show signs of wear or damage to maintain optimal protection.
Are sealants covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants, especially for children and teenagers, often at 80-100% coverage. Adult sealant coverage varies by plan, but many insurers recognize its preventive value. We accept most major insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage for this important preventive treatment.
Do sealants require special care or maintenance?
Sealed teeth require the same care as your other teeth – regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps that could damage the sealant material. We’ll monitor your sealants during routine visits to ensure they remain intact and continue providing optimal protection.
Can sealants be applied over small cavities?
Sealants are most effective on healthy tooth surfaces without existing decay. If a tooth has a small cavity, we typically recommend treating the decay first before considering sealant application. However, in some cases, special therapeutic sealants may be used as part of early intervention strategies for very small areas of initial decay.
Is the sealant application procedure painful?
The sealant application process is completely painless and requires no anesthesia. The procedure involves cleaning the tooth, applying a mild conditioning solution, placing the liquid sealant, and curing it with a special light. Most patients find the process comfortable and quick, taking only a few minutes per tooth to complete.
