Sealants

Dental Sealants In Shoreline, WA

What You Need to Know

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment that is often recommended for children and teens. However, adults can also benefit from this procedure. Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent cavities. If you live in Shoreline, WA, and are interested in dental sealants, this article will provide you with everything you need to know.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a clear or tooth-colored material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have grooves and fissures on their surfaces that are too small to clean with a toothbrush. As a result, bacteria and food particles can become trapped in these areas, leading to the development of cavities.

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food particles from getting trapped in the grooves and fissures of the teeth. They are a quick and painless procedure that can help prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are typically recommended for children and teens who are at a higher risk for cavities. However, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves or fissures on the chewing surfaces of their teeth.

If you or your child have a history of cavities or are prone to tooth decay, your dentist may recommend dental sealants as a preventive measure. Dental sealants can also be applied to baby teeth to protect them from decay and keep them healthy until they are ready to fall out naturally.

What to Expect During a Dental Sealant Procedure

The dental sealant procedure is a quick and painless process that can be completed in just one visit to your dentist. Here's what you can expect:

  1. Cleaning: Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any debris or plaque.
  2. Drying: The teeth that will be sealed will be dried with a small amount of cotton or other absorbent material.
  3. Etching: A solution will be applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to create a rough surface that will help the sealant bond to your teeth.
  4. Application: The sealant material will be painted onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth and then hardened with a special light.
  5. Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate the sealants to make sure they are properly placed and hardened.

After the procedure, you can eat and drink as usual. However, it's important to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods for a few hours to allow the sealants to fully harden.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. Your dentist will check your sealants during your regular dental check-ups to make sure they are still intact and functioning properly. If a sealant becomes damaged or falls off, it can be easily replaced.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy. If you or your child are at a higher risk for cavities, or if you have deep grooves or fissures on your teeth, dental sealants may be recommended as a preventive measure.

Dr. Lee has been placing dental sealants in Shoreline, WA since 2000. Contact our office for an appointment today.

Contact Us

Send us an email today

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed