How dental sealants can prevent tooth decay

Dental Sealants

In order to prevent tooth decay from harming your smile, our Portland Dental team protects it with dental sealants. Our dentists will coat the most vulnerable teeth with this plastic barrier so we can protect them from plaque acids. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Schwab and Dr. Kaveen if you would like to receive a dental sealant in Portland, Oregon.

A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentists may recommend to protect patients’ teeth from decay. A dental sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of teeth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents decay and cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth coating over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean teeth with normal brushing.

Dental sealants are most often recommended for children. They are frequently recommended for the permanent molars as soon as they come in, usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. We may also recommend dental sealants for adult patients whose teeth are prone to decay or have not been restored or suffered from decay in the past. We can apply dental sealants in just one short, comfortable visit to our practice.

Sealants can be a powerful tool in preventing decay and keeping your smile healthy. To learn more about dental sealants and how our team can keep your smile in good health, we welcome you to call or visit our office today.

At Portland Dental, Portland, Oregon area, patients who are looking for ways to keep their smiles healthy and prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease often turn to our team to ask about solutions such as dental sealants. Drs. Kaveendra Ranasinghe and Cameron Schwab often recommend to patients the benefits of using dental sealants as extra protection against damage to natural teeth.

What are dental sealants?

Our dentists describe dental sealants as solutions for preventing tooth decay for both kids and adults. This cavity sealant is a thin plastic coating painted directly onto your tooth’s biting surface. The sealant builds a protective barrier to prevent bacteria and other debris from getting stuck in the crevices of your tooth enamel and causing decay. Dental sealants are extremely effective at preventing cavities, especially in children who often have trouble brushing their teeth effectively or may not know how to brush properly.

What can I expect during the process of obtaining dental sealants?

The process for applying dental sealants is relatively simple and quick. Your dentist at Portland Dental starts by cleaning the area first and then drying it before painting on the sealant with a small brush. Once applied, they will use a curing light to harden the material to provide maximum protection against plaque and bacteria buildup. Typically, only one visit is needed to obtain a dental sealant at our practice.

How do I find out more about dental sealants?

If you are curious to learn about this and other preventative dentistry solutions for your smile, you may benefit from working with the team at Portland Dental. You can reach us for an appointment by calling (503) 221-8123 and requesting a visit at 511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite #1206. The office serves patients in and around the communities of Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Pearl District, NW Portland, and Downtown Portland and is open to providing services for both new and returning patients and families.