If you’re worried that you may be at a high risk of cavities, our doctors can help with dental sealants in Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Del Sur, and the surrounding areas. Contact us now for an appointment.
Non-invasive care
Can be done with an oral exam/cleaning
When properly applied, dental sealants completely eliminate the risk of developing cavities.
It only takes a few minutes to apply dental sealants, and the treatment is completely non-invasive.
With dental sealants and proper oral hygiene, you’ll know that you have the best possible protection against developing cavities.
Dental sealants are a preventive dentistry procedure, and they are often recommended for patients who have a history of having multiple cavities. They consist of a thin layer of plastic dental resin, which is applied to the teeth in a liquid form.
Once the resin is applied, the liquid is hardened using a UV light, then it forms a strong, clear, protective barrier. This barrier stops oral bacteria, food particles, and acid from touching your enamel, preventing cavity formation completely.
Sealants are usually used to treat the rear teeth, since they have larger pits, crevices, and cracks where cavities can develop, but they may occasionally be used on the front teeth, as well.
This treatment is often used for kids. This is because, in most cases, sealants are completely covered by dental insurance for kids under the age of 18. However, this is not always the case for adults. We recommend contacting your insurer for more information, and to see if your policy covers sealants for adults.
The lifespan of dental sealants varies for each patient at Carmel Mountain Dental Care, but they usually last at least 3 years, and can last up to 10 years with proper application. This means that sealants can help protect you from cavities for a very long period of time.
There are a few things that can shorten the lifespan of your sealants. If you chew and eat a lot of hard foods like ice, almonds, and popcorn kernels, this can wear down your sealants prematurely.
In addition, teeth grinding and clenching can cause sealants to wear out prematurely. We highly recommend a custom-fitted night guard to treat grinding and clenching. This will keep your sealants intact and also protect your teeth from the wear & tear caused by teeth grinding.
Sealants can be touched-up and replaced whenever they wear out, but you will not be able to tell if your sealants have worn out on your own. This is yet another reason that regular six-month cleanings and oral exams from Carmel Mountain Dental Care are so important.
At your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and check on your sealants to see how they’re holding up. And, if your sealants are damaged or worn out, your dentist can schedule a follow-up to have them touched up, ensuring your teeth stay protected from tooth decay.
First visit to Carmel Mountain Dental Care? Schedule your New Patient Appointment today to meet the team and get the quality care you deserve at Carmel Mountain Dental Care. Our New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam, cleaning, x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.