Dental Sealants – Lakewood, Dallas, TX
A Better Form of Cavity Prevention
It’s estimated that tooth decay affects a staggering 90% of US adults aged 20 to 64—but perhaps even more alarming is that over 50% of all children aged 6 to 9 have had at least one cavity so far! This means that dental decay is quite a widespread issue; however, what many patients don’t realize is that it’s also almost entirely preventable. One treatment that provides an unmatched amount of cavity protection is dental sealants. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child, just contact our Lakewood office today.
Why Choose Dental Center of Lakewood for Dental Sealants?
- Adult & Children Patients Proudly Welcome
- Two Dedicated Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Insurance Accepted & Financing Available
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, liquid coating that’s applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, but most often the back molars, since their grooved and pitted surfaces make them more likely to trap cavity-causing debris and bacteria. These fillings are typically made from medical-grade resins or glass ionomers, meaning they’re completely safe and biocompatible. Plus, they are often clear or tooth-colored, meaning that they don’t just serve as a protective barrier—they are also aesthetically pleasing.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless process that can be done during a routine dental appointment, often at the very end after the teeth have been inspected and cleaned. The material is essentially painted over the surfaces of the teeth receiving sealants, with no need for dental drills or numbing shots—which both children and adult patients can appreciate! Once the material has covered the surface of the tooth, a special dental light is held over it to harden and cure the material. The whole process only takes a few quick minutes.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are most often recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 14—but you should know that there is no upper age limit for this treatment, and older teens as well as adults of all ages can greatly benefit from having sealants placed. Simply put, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better preventive measure for cavities in extra-vulnerable teeth! During your or your child’s appointment, Dr. Spillman or Dr. Green will let you know if dental sealants would be beneficial. Keep in mind that sealants can last for many years, but it’s not unusual for them to become damaged or fall out over time. In these cases, they can luckily be replaced if needed.