Dental Sealants
Protect Cavity-Prone Teeth With Preventive Dental Care
Help Prevent Cavities With Dental Sealants
The deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of back teeth can trap food particles and plaque, making these areas more difficult to clean with regular brushing. Dental sealants provide a thin protective coating over these vulnerable surfaces to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
At Deer Lake Dental, our dentists may recommend dental sealants as part of a preventive care plan for children, teens, or adults with teeth that are more susceptible to cavities. Sealants can provide additional protection while supporting regular brushing, flossing, dental cleanings, and routine examinations.
Protect Teeth Most Vulnerable to Cavities
Seal Deep Grooves Where Plaque Collects
Support Long-Term Preventive Dental Care
Help Reduce the Risk of Tooth Decay
Dental Sealants for Children and Adults in Deer Lake
Dental sealants are commonly applied to permanent molars because their grooves can be particularly difficult to keep clean. However, whether sealants are appropriate depends on the condition of the individual tooth and the patient's risk of developing cavities. Our dentists can examine your teeth and determine where additional protection may be beneficial.
Applying a dental sealant is a straightforward procedure. The tooth is cleaned and prepared before the sealant material is applied to the chewing surface and hardened to create a protective barrier. Sealants should still be checked during regular dental visits so our team can monitor their condition and determine whether additional care is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about dental sealants and how they can help protect cavity-prone teeth.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed over the grooves and pits of certain teeth, most commonly the chewing surfaces of molars. They create a barrier that helps prevent food particles and plaque from collecting in areas that can be difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush.
Who should get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers as their permanent molars come in, but adults may also benefit from them. The decision depends on factors such as the shape and condition of the teeth and individual cavity risk. A dentist can determine whether sealants are appropriate during an examination.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. Dental sealants are not limited to children. Adults with healthy teeth that have deep grooves or other cavity-prone areas may also be candidates. Our dentists can examine your teeth, review your oral health, and determine whether adding sealants would be beneficial as part of your preventive dental care.
Does getting dental sealants hurt?
Applying dental sealants is generally a comfortable procedure and does not normally require removing healthy tooth structure. The tooth is cleaned and prepared, the sealant is applied to the chewing surface, and the material is hardened. The process is typically straightforward and can often be completed during a routine dental visit.
Do dental sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No. Dental sealants provide additional protection for certain tooth surfaces, but they do not replace daily brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits. Maintaining good oral hygiene remains important because sealants only protect the areas where they are applied, while other surfaces of the teeth and gums still require regular cleaning.
