Dental Sealants In Creston, IA

Protect Your Teeth from Cavities With Custom Dental Sealants

Looking for a simple and effective way to prevent cavities with one of the best dentists in Creston, IA? Here at Buck Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Buck is a strong advocate for dental sealants, offering this preventive treatment for both children and adults. 

Dental sealants are a fast and painless procedure that can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay, especially for the vulnerable back teeth. Call 641-782-4747 to learn more about how dental sealants can benefit your smile!

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (premolars and molars). These coatings act as a barrier, shielding the deep grooves and pits of your teeth from harmful bacteria, food particles, and plaque buildup. 

Brushing and flossing can be difficult in these areas, but sealants fill in the gaps, making it harder for cavities to form. Dental sealants are typically made from a tooth-colored plastic resin and are applied during a quick and painless procedure in your dentist's office.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants offer a range of advantages for both children and adults:

• Reduced Cavity Risk: Studies show that sealants can significantly decrease the risk of cavities, especially in the back teeth where decay is most common.
• Long-lasting Protection: With proper care, sealants can effectively prevent cavities for several years before needing reapplication.
• Quick and Painless Procedure: Applying dental sealants is a simple and comfortable process that usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.
• Cost-Effective Prevention: Compared to the cost of treating cavities, sealants offer a more affordable way to maintain good oral health.
• Improved Oral Health: By preventing cavities, sealants can help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid potential dental problems down the line.

Candidacy for Dental Sealants

Dental sealants from our Creston, IA, dentist are a versatile preventive treatment suitable for a wide range of patients. Here are some factors to consider regarding candidacy:

• Age: Children and adolescents are particularly good candidates for sealants due to the vulnerability of their developing teeth. However, adults can also benefit from sealants, especially those prone to cavities.
• Tooth Anatomy: People with deep grooves and pits in their molars and premolars are ideal candidates for sealants, as these areas are more susceptible to decay.
• Dental Habits: If you struggle with brushing and flossing effectively, sealants can provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth.
• Overall Oral Health: Dental sealants work best on healthy teeth. If you have existing cavities, they will need to be addressed before sealants can be applied.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants act as tiny shields for your teeth, particularly the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These areas have deep grooves and pits that can trap food particles, plaque, and cavity-causing bacteria. Brushing and flossing can be difficult to clean these areas effectively, leaving them vulnerable to decay.

Here's how dental sealants work their magic:

1. Cleaning and Preparation: During the application process, your dentist in Creston, IA, will thoroughly clean the tooth surface to remove any plaque or debris. A mild etching solution might be applied to create a slightly rough surface, allowing for better bonding with the sealant.
2. Sealant Application: Once the tooth is prepared, a liquid sealant material, typically made from tooth-colored plastic resin, is carefully painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth.
3. Hardening the Sealant: A special light is used to cure and harden the sealant material, forming a smooth, protective barrier over the tooth surface.

Aftercare for Dental Sealants

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is crucial even after receiving dental sealants. Here's how to ensure your sealants last:

• Maintain Brushing and Flossing: Continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque from the unsealed surfaces of your teeth.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental appointments for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can assess the condition of your sealants and reapply them if needed.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Hard candies, ice, or other hard objects can chip or crack your sealants. It's best to avoid chewing on these items.
• Inform Your Dentist: Let your Creston, IA, dentist know that you have dental sealants whenever you have dental work done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do teeth sealants last?

Dental sealants can last several years, typically up to 10 years, but they need to be checked by your dentist during regular checkups. Your dentist can reapply these thin plastic coatings as needed.

Does receiving teeth sealants hurt?

Receiving teeth sealants is a painless procedure. The tooth will be cleaned and a gel may be applied for a few seconds to prepare the surface. Then, a liquid sealant is painted on and hardened with a light. This helps protect your teeth's pits and grooves, and can even prevent tooth decay.

Does insurance cover the cost of teeth sealants?

Insurance coverage for dental sealants varies depending on your plan. Some plans may cover sealants completely, while others may only cover a portion of the cost. It's always best to contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details.

Can adults get teeth sealants?

Yes, baby teeth and permanent teeth can benefit from teeth sealants! Just like children, adults have molars and premolars with deep grooves that can trap food particles and plaque. Sealants can help prevent cavities in adults as well.

Keep Your Smile Free of Cavities in Creston, IA, with a Dental Sealant

At Buck Family Dentistry in Creston, IA, Dr. Michael Buck and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients from surrounding communities, including Afton, Thayer, and Corning. We offer a comprehensive range of dentistry services like dental sealants to address various dental concerns and restore oral health and your chewing surface to its optimal state.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with dental sealant placement! Call us at 641-782-4747 to learn more.