Sealants
Professional Dental Sealants
Protect Your Smile with Dental Sealants in Orem, Utah
Effective Preventive Care for Long-Lasting Oral Health
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Canyon Gate Dental for Teeth Cleaning in Orem?
Expert Care
Our skilled team ensures precise application for maximum protection against cavities and decay.
Gentle Procedure
The sealant process is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it a stress-free experience for patients of all ages.
Long-Lasting Results
With proper care, our high-quality sealants can protect your teeth for up to 10 years.
Customized Prevention
We tailor sealant treatments to your unique needs, focusing on vulnerable areas like molars and premolars to prevent decay where it’s most common.
Comprehensive Approach
As part of our commitment to preventive dentistry, we combine sealants with education and regular check-ups to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Regular Teeth Cleaning
The Importance of Dental Sealants
Prevents Cavities
Sealants act as a barrier, covering deep grooves and pits on molars and premolars where food and bacteria tend to accumulate, reducing the risk of cavities by up to 80%.
Protects Hard-to-Clean Areas
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, certain areas of the teeth are difficult to reach. Sealants shield these vulnerable spots, offering an extra layer of defense.
Saves Time and Money
Preventing cavities now means avoiding more complex and costly dental treatments in the future, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Ideal for All Ages
While especially beneficial for children and teens when their permanent molars first emerge, sealants are also effective for adults with cavity-prone teeth.
Supports Overall Health
Healthy teeth and gums contribute to your overall well-being, reducing the risk of issues linked to poor oral hygiene, such as infections or inflammation.
Your Experience
What to Expect During Your Dental Sealant Appointment
1. Thorough Cleaning
Our team will start by cleaning the teeth to be sealed, ensuring they are free of plaque, tartar, and debris. This creates a clean surface for optimal sealant adhesion.
2. Tooth Preparation
A special gel is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prepare them for the sealant. This step ensures the sealant bonds securely to the tooth.
3. Rinsing and Drying
The gel is rinsed off, and the teeth are carefully dried. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth application.
4. Sealant Application
The dental sealant, a liquid resin, is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars or premolars. This resin flows into the deep grooves and pits of the teeth, creating a protective shield.
5. Curing the Sealant
A special curing light is used to harden the sealant. This process only takes a few seconds and ensures the sealant is durable and long-lasting.
6. Final Check
Once the sealant has hardened, our dentist or hygienist will check to ensure it has been properly applied and fits comfortably on your teeth.
Your questions answered
Common questions
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are plastic coatings applied to the pits and grooves of molars, and occasionally premolars, to protect teeth from decay. These grooves are highly susceptible to plaque buildup and are difficult to clean properly. Sealants provide a barrier that prevents plaque and bacteria from accumulating, making them an effective preventive treatment since the 1970s.
When should sealants be placed?
Sealants should be placed as soon as the chewing surfaces of adult molars are visible:
- First Molars: Around age 6, when the first adult molars erupt.
- Second Molars and Premolars: Between ages 11-13.
Visiting the dentist promptly as these teeth come in ensures they can be sealed for maximum protection.
Can adults get sealants?
Yes, adults can benefit from sealants if their teeth have deep pits or grooves and are free of decay or restorations. However, insurance plans typically cover sealants for minors only. Consult with your dentist to determine if sealants are a suitable option for your teeth.
How are dental sealants placed?
The process is quick, painless, and doesn’t require anesthesia:
- Step 1: The tooth is dried and isolated using cotton or gauze.
- Step 2: A chemical is applied to slightly roughen the tooth surface for better adhesion.
- Step 3: The sealant, a liquid resin, is applied to the tooth.
- Step 4: A blue curing light hardens the sealant.
- Step 5: The hardened sealant is smoothed and polished for comfort.
Do I still need to brush, floss, and visit the dentist?
Absolutely! While sealants protect the grooves and pits of your teeth, they don’t shield the other surfaces. Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits is essential to prevent plaque and tartar buildup on all areas of your teeth.
Sealants are an excellent preventive measure to maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile. If you’re considering sealants, contact your dentist to learn more about how they can benefit you or your family.
