Sealants on Teeth

Preventing tooth decay is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy smile, and dental sealants offer an extra layer of protection against cavities. At Port City Dentistry, we provide professional dental sealants in Wilmington, NC, to help patients—especially children—protect their molars from plaque buildup and decay. This quick, painless treatment is an excellent preventive measure to keep teeth strong and healthy for years to come.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to help prevent cavities. Made from a safe, medical-grade plastic material, sealants smooth out deep grooves and crevices where food particles and bacteria often accumulate.

Unlike veneers, which primarily enhance aesthetics, sealants focus on preventive care by creating a barrier against plaque and acid buildup. They are most commonly placed on the back teeth, as these areas are harder to clean and more prone to decay.

✔️ Prevents cavities by sealing out food particles and bacteria.
✔️ Long-lasting protection—can last up to 10 years with proper care.
✔️ Ideal for children, teens, and cavity-prone adults.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

While sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers, they can also benefit adults who are prone to cavities. You may be a good candidate for dental sealants if you:

• Have deep grooves in your molars or premolars that are difficult to clean.
• Have a history of frequent cavities or tooth decay.
• Want an extra layer of protection against plaque and bacteria.
• Are looking for a non-invasive preventive treatment.

Since sealants work best before decay begins, they are most commonly applied to children’s permanent molars around ages 6 to 14. However, adults who have healthy, cavity-free molars can also benefit from sealants as a preventive measure.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive, requiring no drilling or numbing. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment at Port City Dentistry:

1. Thorough Cleaning: The tooth surface is cleaned to remove any plaque or debris.
2. Preparation: A mild solution is applied to roughen the tooth surface for better sealant adhesion.
3. Sealant Application: The liquid sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the molar or premolar.
4. Curing & Hardening: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant and bond it to the tooth.
5. Final Check: The dentist ensures a smooth application and proper coverage.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes per tooth, and patients can resume eating and drinking right away.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are an effective, affordable, and long-lasting way to prevent tooth decay. Here are some key benefits:

✔️ Reduces Cavity Risk: Studies show sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in molars.
✔️ Protects Against Acid and Plaque: Acts as a physical barrier, preventing bacteria from settling in deep grooves.
✔️ Painless and Non-Invasive: No need for numbing or drilling—just a simple application process.
✔️ Saves Money on Future Dental Treatments: Preventing cavities now can help avoid costly fillings or root canals later.
✔️ Enhances Overall Oral Health: Provides an extra layer of defense against decay for children, teens, and adults.

By choosing sealants, you’re making a proactive decision to keep your teeth healthy and strong for the long term.

Dental Sealants vs. Other Preventive Treatments

While fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel, sealants offer direct protection against cavities by preventing food particles from getting trapped in deep grooves.

How to Care for Your Dental Sealants

To ensure sealants last as long as possible, follow these simple care tips:

🦷 Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep teeth healthy.
🍏 Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: Ice, hard candy, and sticky foods can wear down or chip sealants.
🦷 Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Port City Dentistry for routine exams to check your sealants’ condition.
🥤 Reduce Sugary Snacks & Drinks: Limiting sugar intake helps prevent decay and plaque buildup around the sealant.

With proper care, your sealants can last for up to a decade, providing long-term protection against cavities.

Are Dental Sealants Right for You?

If you or your child are prone to cavities, dental sealants may be the perfect preventive solution. Ideal candidates include:

✔️ Children and teens who are developing their permanent molars.
✔️ Adults with deep grooves in their molars who have no existing cavities.
✔️ Patients looking for a cost-effective way to reduce future dental treatments.

During your appointment at Port City Dentistry, our team will assess your teeth and determine if sealants are a good fit for your oral health needs.

Why Choose Port City Dentistry for Dental Sealants?

At Port City Dentistry, we specialize in preventive dental care and family dentistry. Here’s why patients choose us for dental sealants in Wilmington, NC:

✔️ Experienced Team: Led by Dr. Jillian Wolske, our skilled dental professionals ensure precise and effective sealant application.
✔️ Gentle, Kid-Friendly Approach: We make the process comfortable and stress-free, especially for younger patients.
✔️ Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art techniques for long-lasting cavity prevention.
✔️ Personalized Care: We tailor treatments to each patient’s unique dental needs.

Schedule Your Dental Sealant Appointment in Wilmington, NC

Protecting your teeth from decay is easier than ever with dental sealants. Whether you’re considering sealants for yourself or your child, our team at Port City Dentistry is here to help you maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile.

📍 Location: 4700 New Centre Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405
📞 Call us today to schedule your appointment: 910-613-5635

Invest in your oral health with dental sealants in Wilmington, NC—contact Port City Dentistry today!