Elevate Your Oral Health with Protective Dental Sealants

Dental sealants in Augusta, Georgia, are a highly effective measure against tooth decay. These clear, plastic coatings are painted on your decay-prone teeth to seal out harmful bacteria. With proper oral hygiene, dental sealants reduce cavities by 80%. 

Westmoreland Family Dentistry is committed to helping you maintain your healthy smile for life. If you or your loved ones are losing the battle with cavities, schedule an appointment with Dr. William Westmoreland to protect your smile with dental sealants.

What are teeth sealants?

They are thin, plastic coatings brushed onto the chewing surfaces of cavity-prone teeth, particularly molars. By their nature, your back teeth have grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria in the narrow crevices, causing decay. No matter how well you clean your teeth, toothbrush bristles can’t reach these hard-to-reach areas to eliminate plaque and food particles. 

Dental sealants cover the grooved and pitted areas to discourage the adherence of harmful bacteria. Additionally, smoother surfaces simplify brushing and flossing your teeth. Think of sealants as an umbrella for your teeth. Like regular umbrellas shield you from rain, sealants protect your teeth from decay.

How are dental sealants placed?

The procedure is swift, painless, and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect.

  • Teeth preparation: The dentist will clean, rinse, and dry your teeth before applying an acidic gel. This creates a strong bonding surface for maximum adhesion.
  • Application: We’ll brush the liquid sealant on your teeth, carefully covering the pitted areas.
  • Curing light: The dentist will harden the sealant with a special curing light, creating a firm protective barrier that is resistant to everyday chewing and brushing.

Placing dental sealants takes a single visit, but the benefits last many years. Proper maintenance with brushing, flossing, and regular visits can extend the life of your sealants to 5-plus years.

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Aside from their cavity prevention powers, dental sealants offer numerous benefits. These include:

  • Painless application: The dental sealant is painted directly to your teeth. The procedure doesn’t need drilling or anesthesia.
  • Quick procedure: We can complete the procedure in minutes. Less time in the dental chair means fewer interruptions to your everyday life.
  • Affordability: Dental sealants cost a few dollars but prevent the need for costly repairs.
  • Discreetness: You deserve restorations that don’t alter the natural beauty of your smile. Dental sealants are clear or white— barely visible when you open your mouth.
  • Durability: They provide long-term protection for your smile. Good maintenance ensures you enjoy the protective benefits of dental sealants year after year.

Who is the right candidate for dental sealants?

Since dental sealants are effective against decay, dentists recommend them to children and teens to protect their vulnerable developing teeth. However, this doesn’t mean sealants aren’t excellent for adults. 

Adults with deep grooves in the back teeth are more vulnerable to decay. Additionally, conditions like a dry mouth (xerostomia) or certain medical issues can make teeth more susceptible to decay. In these cases, dental sealants protect teeth and prevent the need for dental fillings or crowns. Sealants are a simple yet powerful tool for keeping your smile healthy at any age.

Do you need dental sealants in Augusta, Georgia?

Elevate your preventive dental care with dental sealants at Westmoreland Family Dentistry! Call (706) 535-2300 to schedule your visit today. Seal the deal for a healthier, happier you!