While brushing and flossing are great ways to protect your smile, your dentist can provide additional treatments to give you an even stronger shield. Dental sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures against tooth decay, especially for children and adults with deep grooves in their molars and premolars. These thin, protective coatings shield the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities form, creating a barrier that blocks out food particles and harmful bacteria.
At Ocean Breeze in Delray Beach, we offer professional dental sealant application as part of our comprehensive approach to preventive dental care. Dr. Nicholas Goetz, a board-certified maxillofacial prosthodontist with extensive training from UCLA, leads our practice, specializing in advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Our team helps patients maintain optimal oral health through preventive treatments, such as dental sealants, which can save you time, discomfort, and expense in the future.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Made from a dental-grade resin material, sealants flow into the deep pits and fissures of your teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Once hardened with a special curing light, these sealants create a smooth surface that prevents food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped in these vulnerable areas.
The primary purpose of dental sealants is to prevent tooth decay before it starts. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, the intricate grooves of back teeth can harbor bacteria that produce acid, gradually eroding tooth enamel and creating cavities. By sealing these areas, we provide an additional layer of protection for your teeth, significantly reducing the risk of decay in these cavity-prone surfaces.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Acting as a shield to cavity-causing bacteria, dental sealants offer a wide range of benefits for your oral and overall health.
Protection Against Tooth Decay
Dental sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in molars, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This remarkable level of protection is particularly valuable for children and teenagers, whose newly erupted permanent molars are especially susceptible to decay. However, adults can also benefit significantly from sealants, especially those with deep tooth grooves or a history of cavities.
Long-Lasting Preventive Care
With proper care and maintenance, dental sealants can last for several years before reapplication might be needed. During your regular checkups at Ocean Breeze, we will evaluate the condition of your sealants to ensure they remain effective. This long-lasting protection makes sealants a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
Painless, Quick Application
The dental sealant procedure is one of the most comfortable dental treatments available. Unlike fillings or other restorative procedures, sealant application is completely painless and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. The entire process typically takes just minutes per tooth, making it an efficient preventive measure for patients of all ages.
The Dental Sealant Application Process
Our caring professionals guide you through every step of the dental sealant process, including the following:
Thorough Preparation
Before applying dental sealants, your teeth will receive a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or food debris. This cleaning ensures the sealant material can properly adhere to the tooth surface. The teeth are then dried completely, and an etching solution is applied briefly to create a slightly roughened surface that helps the sealant bond securely to the tooth.
Precise Application
The dental sealant material is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of each tooth being treated. The liquid resin flows naturally into the grooves and depressions of the tooth. Dr. Goetz takes care to ensure complete coverage of all vulnerable areas while maintaining a comfortable bite alignment.
Quick Hardening
Once the sealant material is in place, a special curing light is used to harden the resin in just seconds. The hardened sealant creates a durable plastic shield over the tooth that can withstand the forces of normal chewing. After a quick check to ensure proper placement and bite comfort, you can resume normal activities immediately.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants aren’t just for kids. They provide benefits for patients of all ages, including the following:
Children and Teenagers
Children should receive sealants on their permanent molars as soon as these teeth emerge, typically between the ages of six and 14. Early application protects during the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence. At Ocean Breeze, we make pediatric dental visits comfortable and positive, helping children establish good dental habits for life.
Adults at Risk for Decay
Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants aren’t just for children. Adults with deep tooth grooves, receding gums exposing root surfaces, or those prone to cavities can greatly benefit from sealant protection. We can evaluate your specific risk factors and recommend sealants as part of your comprehensive preventive care plan.
Dental Sealants vs. Other Preventive Treatments
While fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help resist decay, sealants provide a physical barrier on the tooth surface. At Ocean Breeze, we often recommend both treatments as complementary preventive measures. For some patients, especially children or those with early signs of decay, we might also consider silver diamine fluoride treatments to stop early cavity formation before applying sealants for ongoing protection.
Regular professional cleanings remain essential even with sealants in place. Our comprehensive preventive approach includes thorough cleanings, examinations, fluoride treatments when appropriate, and personalized oral hygiene instruction to help maintain optimal dental health between visits.
Schedule Your Dental Sealant Appointment Today
Protecting your smile with dental sealants is a simple, effective step toward preventing future dental problems. Dr. Nicholas Goetz and our experienced team at Ocean Breeze are committed to providing the highest quality preventive dental care in Delray Beach. As one of approximately 150 certified maxillofacial prosthodontists nationwide, Dr. Goetz brings exceptional expertise to every aspect of your dental care.
Contact our Delray Beach office today at (561) 265-1998 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation and learn more about how dental sealants can benefit your long-term oral health. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and help you achieve a healthier, more protected smile that lasts a lifetime.
