Dental Sealants in Austin, TX
Protecting teeth and preventing cavities
Seal the surface of your teeth to prevent cavities!
Following a dental hygiene routine with brushing and flossing is an effective way to prevent cavities. However, back teeth, also known as molars, can be hard to reach. Not only can molars be hard to reach, but molars are formed with deep grooves. These grooves make the surfaces of the back teeth highly vulnerable to bacteria and plaque accumulation, resulting in cavities.
That’s why at Westgate Family Dental, we offer dental sealants to protect your teeth! Our team often recommends dental sealants for children, but patients of all ages can benefit from the additional layer of protection! Sealants can help:
Dental sealants work as a barrier to keep teeth away from bacteria and plaque.
Dental sealants are tooth-colored or clear to blend with your natural teeth.
Dental sealants can prevent costly cavity fillings in the future.
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t an option for patients of all ages who want to protect their teeth from cavities. At Westgate Family Dental, we can help determine if you or your child can benefit from tooth sealants. If you are an ideal candidate, getting dental sealants will look like the following.
- Step 1
Sealants are placed on the grooves of teeth. We will thoroughly clean each tooth that will receive a dental sealant to increase its effectiveness, then dry the tooth.
- Step 2
An acidic solution is placed on the area to make the tooth slightly rougher. This solution makes the sealant easier to bond.
- Step 3
The teeth receiving dental sealant are once again rinsed and dried. Once adequately cleaned, we apply the sealant and harden it with a curing light to effectively seal out food and plaque.
In just a few minutes, your teeth will be protected for years! The next time you visit our dental office in Austin, TX, ask us about dental sealants. We’re happy to seal the top of the tooth surface to ensure your smile stays happy and healthy.
- What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to help prevent tooth decay. They are especially effective for children and teenagers who may have difficulty with proper oral hygiene or are at high risk for cavities. Unnoticeable and non-invasive, dental sealants work as a barrier to keep food from getting stuck in hard-to-reach places on teeth so that cavities never have a chance to form!
- Should adults get sealants on their teeth?
Adults can benefit from getting dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves or pits in their molars that make it difficult to clean them properly. However, sealants are typically recommended for children and teenagers who are at higher risk of developing cavities. At Westgate Dental, we can help determine if sealants are a good option for your dental needs.
- How long is the dental sealants process?
The application of dental sealants is quick. The process involves cleaning and drying the tooth, applying the sealant material, and then curing it with a special light. Though the application is quick, the cavity protection can last for years. Each time you visit our office for a routine cleaning and exam, we’ll check the condition of your dental sealant to ensure it is effective in protecting your teeth.
- Are dental sealants effective on teeth with fillings?
Dental sealants can be placed on teeth that have fillings. However, the sealant material will not bond to the filling material, so the sealant will only be effective in protecting the remaining natural tooth structure. Dental sealants are typically only applied to teeth before there’s any serious decay or fillings. At Westgate Dental, we can advise if sealants are appropriate for your specific dental situation.
- What can I eat with dental sealants?
If you have dental sealants, we recommend avoiding chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Chewy and sticky foods like gummy or caramel candy can potentially pull dental sealants off. Biting and chewing on hard foods like ice can cause dental sealants to chip or break. Other than avoiding foods that could be harsh on the sealant material, you can enjoy the foods and beverages you have been to!
Changing your view of Austin, TX dentistry.
6700 West Gate Blvd #101, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 447-0808
