Dental Sealants

At Providence Smiles, our dental team is happy to provide you with high quality dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay in your smile. We welcome you to learn more about the benefits of dental sealants in Durham, North Carolina, by contacting our team today at 919-682-4861 to schedule a visit with our dentist, Dr. Kwame Gyampo.

Great for Kids

Dental decay is the most common childhood disease, with more than half of children having had a cavity at some point in their lives. That is a surprising and alarming number! And even if children diligently brush and floss, they might not be able to fully and consistently clean their smiles, leading to decay even when they are trying their best.

That is where dental sealants come in. Sealants are a simple treatment designed to preserve your child’s oral health without hassle or headaches. They are made from a simple and safe compound that is applied to the teeth that are most at risk for decay, usually the back molars, and protect them against plaque and decay. And when your child brushes and flosses as normal, sealants can last up to 10 years! This goes a long way in helping to prevent childhood cavities and preserve children’s oral health.

Great for Adults, Too!

Sealants are not just for kids, though. After all, sealants are usually applied only after a child receives their permanent teeth. Adults who are particularly prone to decay, due to genetics or other factors, can benefits from receiving sealants as well. One of the biggest reasons an adult might receive sealants is because the grooves of the molars are so deep that cleaning them effectively is difficult. If you have been cavity prone in the past, or you are worried about your teeth becoming more vulnerable as you get older, sealants might be the perfect solution to keep your smile healthy.

Receiving sealants is as simple as coming into our office and sitting down in the dental chair. We will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth then apply the sealants, which bond directly to the tooth. Your sealants can last up to 10 years, though we will keep an eye on them at your regular check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or wearing down.

FAQ

How long do sealants last?

Sealants are designed to last for a long time, working in the background to keep you safe from decay without needing constant upkeep. When you brush and floss regularly, your sealants can last up to 10 years. Depending on your circumstances and diet, that time may be a bit shorter, but we will keep a careful eye on your sealants as you come in for your regular dental exams and cleanings every six months.

Do I have to do anything special to care for my sealants?

As long as you are brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you should not have to worry about your sealants. This does not mean you are immune from tooth decay, however! You will still want to keep your regular exam and cleaning schedule, coming into our office twice a year so that we can keep an eye on the state of your sealants.

Are sealants safe?

Yes! Dental sealants do contain a very small amount of bisphenol A (BPA), but the American Dental Association® reports no evidence of sealants having any adverse health effects because of that. There is a possibility that you or your child may be allergic to the sealants, but this is very rare.

Ready to get started on your new, healthy smile? Contact our office today for an appointment!