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Dental Sealants

At Southwest Nebraska Dental Center, we know that prevention of tooth decay is vital to maintaining a healthy smile for a lifetime.

While practicing good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily, goes a long way towards preventing cavities, McCook dentist Dr. Kaitlin Haag also recommends dental sealants for an added level of protection. Dental sealants applied now can help you avoid costly and uncomfortable dental procedures down the road.

Why Are Sealants Necessary?

A dental sealant is a thin layer of resin that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Because the back teeth tend to be rough and uneven, food and bacteria can easily get caught in the pits and crevices formed on the surfaces. Even with regular brushing, your toothbrush bristles cannot always reach these areas. As a result, you run a greater risk of having cavities form in these teeth.

Once applied, dental sealants form a protective shield over each tooth and create a smooth surface that discourages tooth decay.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent sealing in any harmful bacteria. Then, a resin is applied to the tooth using a brush. A high intensity light bonds the sealant to the tooth and within about thirty seconds, the sealant has hardened into place.

The sealant material is white, so it’s virtually invisible. And unlike having a cavity filled, the application of dental sealants is quick and painless. No need for sedation or an injection.

The new barrier that is formed between your teeth and decay-causing bacteria, if properly maintained, will last for up to ten years. However, we recommend scheduling regular dental visits in order to have the sealants inspected for damage. Any chips or cracks that form in the sealants can be easily repaired by simply adding more sealant material.

Who Needs Sealants?

Children should have sealants applied as soon as their permanent molars come in, generally between the ages of 5 and 7. Teens and adults who naturally have deep fissures and grooves in their back teeth are also excellent candidates for sealants because they run a greater risk of developing cavities. Dental sealants are also sometimes recommended for baby teeth that are unusually grooved or pitted.

Dental sealants, along with the use of fluoride toothpaste, have been proven to be one of the safest and most effective methods for preventing tooth decay in children and adults. The longer you wait to have sealants applied, the greater your risk for developing cavities in the future.

Call now to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member with our team at Southwest Nebraska Dental Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental sealants, how long do they last, and who should get them?

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly greatly decreases your chances of developing tooth decay. However, even when practicing the best oral hygiene, some areas of the mouth are difficult to reach with a just a brush and floss. The back teeth, in particular, tend to have small pits and crevices in which food particles and bacteria can easily become lodged. Over time, this debris can cause cavities to form.

Dental sealants are a proven method for preventing tooth decay because they literally “seal off” these susceptible areas, discouraging the build-up of food and bacteria. Dental sealants are made from a liquid resin that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Once treated with a high-intensity light, the resin hardens into a thin white plastic that is so similar to the natural color of the teeth, it’s virtually invisible. When properly maintained, the barrier created by the dental sealants can last for up to ten years.

We recommend dental sealants for all children as soon as their permanent molars have come in, usually between the ages of five and seven. In addition, adults who have an unusually rough surface on their back teeth are good candidates for sealants.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Kaitlin Haag

Dr. Kaitlin Haag is a McCook native who graduated from McCook High School in 2004. She is also a graduate of Chadron State with a degree in biology. She then attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She knew she wanted to be a dentist after an unfortunate softball accident knocked out her two front teeth and she had a wonderful ...

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Featured Blog Posts - Dental Sealants

January 31, 2023

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Dental sealants are a preventative measure used to protect the teeth from decay and cavities. They are a plastic coating that is applied to the grooves and pits of the back teeth, which are the most susceptible to tooth decay. The sealant creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from getting into these areas, which helps to reduce the risk of cavities.

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Creating good dental habits for your children should start as soon as they wake up. Before breakfast, you should brush your teeth with your kiddos. When children learning good habits, modeling the behavior can be beneficial. Let them watch you, and then work with them on their skills.

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