Dental Sealants In Chicago, IL

A dental sealant is a preventive treatment that helps protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars) from tooth decay. These surfaces have deep pits and grooves that can be difficult to keep clean, making them more susceptible to cavities. The sealant material is a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the tooth surface, filling in those grooves to create a smooth surface that is easier to clean and more resistant to decay. Sealants act as a barrier, preventing food particles and cavity-causing bacteria from collecting in the tiny crevices of your teeth.

Want an easy way to prevent cavities without shots or drilling?

Dental sealants are a simple, effective way to protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth from decay. Made of a thin plastic coating, sealants fill in the grooves and fissures of your molars where cavity-causing bacteria often hide. The sealant application process is quick, easy, and completely painless – no anesthetic or drilling required. While sealants are most often recommended for children, adults can benefit from them too, especially those with deep molar grooves or a history of cavities.

How It Works

The sealant application process is simple and painless:

  1. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
  2. An etching solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant adhere better.
  3. The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
  4. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface and allowed to harden, sometimes with the aid of a special curing light.

The whole process takes only a few minutes per tooth, and multiple teeth can be sealed in one visit. No anesthetic or drilling is needed, making sealants a great option for patients of all ages.

Sealants Follow Up Care

After getting dental sealants, you can eat and drink normally – no special care is needed. However, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including:

  • Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing daily
  • Eating a balanced diet low in sugary and sticky foods
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings

With proper care, sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied. During your regular dental visits, we’ll check the condition of your sealants and reapply them if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best for getting dental sealants?

Sealants are usually recommended for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars. However, teens and adults with cavity-prone teeth can benefit from sealants too.

Do sealants hurt?

Not at all! The sealant application process is totally painless. No anesthetic or drilling is required.

How long do sealants last?

With proper care, sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied. During your regular dental checkups, we’ll evaluate the condition of your sealants and reapply them if necessary.

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