Dental Sealants Sandston, VA

Bacteria love to find all the nooks and crannies in teeth, especially in the back teeth used to chew. In addition to brushing and flossing, dental sealants provide another layer of protection. This thin plastic coating fills and adheres to the chewing surface of the teeth to help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are available at Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry in Sandston and the surrounding area. Our staff can discuss the procedure and answer any questions. Call us at (804) 412-0878 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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The Details About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic that is bonded to the tooth surface as additional protection again tooth decay. This protective coating helps keep bits of food out of the grooves of the teeth and stops bacteria and acid from settling there. According to the American Dental Association, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth.

Dental sealants have been used successfully for more than 40 years and continue to grow in popularity. Research shows children who do not get sealants are more than twice as likely to get cavities than children who have sealants. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend this procedure for all children.

“Dental sealants have been used successfully for more than 40 years and continue to grow in popularity.”

The Right Age for Sealants

Both children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier they are put on, the better the long-term outcome. Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in. The first molars usually appear around six years old and the second molars roughly six years later. Sealants will protect teeth through a child’s most cavity-prone years.

Dental sealants may also benefit baby teeth. Since baby teeth play such an important role in the correct spacing of permanent teeth, it is important to keep those teeth healthy and in place until they are ready to come out. When determining whether to have sealants applied to a younger child, make sure the child can keep their mouth open for an extended period and sit still for the procedure.

“Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in.”

Dental sealants infographic: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities over 2 years in the back teeth.
Dental restorations infographic: Both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants.

The Advantages and Disadvantages

In addition to their protective properties, dental sealants have longevity and durability. Research has shown they prevent 80% of cavities for two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Sealants can even stay in the mouth for as long as nine years.

There are some disadvantages. Children may need to have sealants reapplied if they fall out, chip, or wear away. Dental sealants can get chipped or worn when a patient bites into hard food or eats too much food with high acidic content. It’s best to keep a close eye on what a child with sealants consumes, especially right after the sealant is applied. A patient’s bite can feel slightly off after application due to the extra layer on the tooth, but this is temporary. During a regular dental visit, we will check the sealant’s condition and reapply them as needed. Sealants need to be monitored and maintained during routine visits to ensure they do not wear away.

“In addition to their protective properties, dental sealants have longevity and durability.”

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The Dental Sealant Procedure

The procedure used to apply dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the teeth are cleaned and dried. We will then apply an acidic gel to the tooth surface to help create a strong bond between the tooth and the sealant. Once the gel is rinsed off and the teeth dried again, the sealant is applied to the grooves of the chewing surface. A special curing light hardens the sealant onto the tooth.

We will also check the surface for any problems. If any issues are present, the sealant may be touched up or reapplied. Then we will rinse the newly sealed teeth clean. There are no known side effects from the procedure and no eating or drinking restrictions after treatment.

“The procedure used to apply dental sealants is quick and painless.”

The Post-Sealant Experience

There may be some slight discomfort when the sealants are first applied as the child gets used to having an additional layer of material on their back teeth. Some children complain of a feeling of not being able to fit their back teeth together. The thin film will feel like it’s a part of the actual tooth within a day or so.

Other reactions include complaining of an odd taste immediately after sealant application. Usually, a good rinse or a sip of a flavored drink will help eliminate the taste. Our team will help address any issues or concerns after the sealants are applied.

“There may be some slight discomfort when the sealants are first applied as the child gets used to having an additional layer of material on their back teeth.”

Dental sealants infographic: Dental sealants are thin, plastic barriers painted on the teeth's chewing surfaces.
Dental sealants infographic: Though dental sealants may last up to nine years, they still require regular checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are dental sealants?

A. Sealants are a liquid material used to fill the grooves and depressions on the surface of the teeth, especially the molars. This plastic coating bonds to the tooth’s surface. This protects the tooth from lingering food and bacteria, helping to prevent decay.

Q. Who should get dental sealants?

A. Children and adults can receive dental sealants. However, we typically recommend them for children and teens to help prevent cavities. Adults who are prone to tooth decay are also good candidates for dental sealants.

Q. How much do sealants cost?

A. The cost of dental sealants varies. It will depend on factors, such as the location, insurance plan, and the number of treated teeth. Patients should contact their insurance provider for more information.

Q. Are dental sealants painful?

A. The process of applying dental sealants is convenient and painless. We brush the plastic coating onto teeth, which does not cause any pain. Dental sealants will prevent cavities that can cause tooth pain and damage.

Q. How long do sealants last?

A. If taken care of properly, sealants can last for many years. Our team will ensure that the sealants are not showing any signs of wear and tear during regular dental checkups. Dental sealants are not hard to replace if necessary.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Dental Terminology

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.

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  • Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry was established in 2003.
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  • We serve patients from the following counties: Henrico, New Kent, Hanover, Richmond City and Charles City
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Sandston, Highland Springs, Richmond, Montrose, East Highland Park, New Kent and Charles City
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We are participating providers with Delta Dental, and file any out-of-network PPO plans, but cannot file Medicare/Medicaid claims.