Sealants

If you’d like to protect your molars from developing cavities, a simple preventive dental solution is available at Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee. The family dentistry and orthodontic specialists offer dental sealants to strengthen and protect teeth, saving you time and money in the long run. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are protective coatings made of safe, sturdy, long-lasting dental materials. The coatings adhere to the surface of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from hard-to-reach bacteria, plaque, tartar, and dental decay. While simple and painless to apply, sealants offer superior protective results.

Though there’s no replacement for routine professional teeth cleanings and exceptional at-home oral hygiene, dental sealants complement these oral health habits to further protect your or your child’s teeth.

What are the benefits of sealants?

The main benefit of receiving sealants at Hendricks Dental Specialists is protection from getting cavities in your molars. Sealants also strengthen your teeth and make it difficult for food and bacteria to build up in tooth grooves. Fewer cavities translate to fewer trips to the dentist, time savings, and cost savings.

Sealants reduce the risk of decay by about 80% in molars, according to the American Dental Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children without sealants have nearly three times as many cavities as kids with sealants.

Are dental sealants right for me?

The Hendricks Dental Specialists team lets you know if you’re a candidate for dental sealants after discussing your oral health history and examining your teeth, mouth, and gums. They also take dental X-rays, if needed, to get the full picture of your dental health.

Both children and adults benefit from sealants, but the sooner you get them, the more protected your back teeth are from decay. Sealants help treat early tooth decay, preventing it from worsening over time.

What happens when getting dental sealants?

Your dentist cleans your teeth before applying dental sealants to them. They also dry the affected teeth and place gel on them to rough up the tooth surface. That allows a strong bond to form with sealant materials. Your provider rinses off the gel, dries your teeth again, and places sealant into the tooth grooves. A special blue light hardens the sealant. 

How long do sealants last?

Sealants usually last a few years before repeat applications are needed to ensure long-lasting cavity protection. The Hendricks Dental Specialists team keeps an eye on your teeth and can reapply sealants as needed. 

Make sure to brush your teeth after meals, floss every day, have your teeth cleaned by a dental provider at least every six months and avoid chewing on hard objects.

To learn more about sealants at Hendricks Dental Specialists and find out if you're a candidate for them, schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.