Dental Sealants in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria

It’s no secret that brushing and flossing properly is the best way to prevent cavities, enamel wear, and tooth decay. That being said, dental sealants, or preventive resin restoration, are effective treatments that can give your teeth extra protection against tooth decay.

Learn more about the benefits of dental sealants, how long they last, and how these treatments work. The experts at Pathway Dental Group can help you enjoy a healthier smile. Schedule an appointment today! 

an orthodontist using a dental inspection mirror to look into a patient's mouth

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin resin coating that is painted over the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealant for teeth is usually applied to the back teeth, which are harder to clean and more vulnerable to enamel wear. This resin coating quickly bonds to the teeth, filling in grooves and adding an additional barrier against tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

While brushing and flossing is still the best way to prevent tooth decay, dental sealants can give your teeth some extra protection. There are many benefits of dental sealants for people of all ages. 

During your dental hygiene routine, it can be easy to miss those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Sealants act like a shield, protecting these vulnerable areas from plaque buildup. Studies have shown that dental sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay by 80%. Plus, children who have gotten a sealant treatment are three times less likely to develop cavities!

Who Needs Sealants?

Patients of all ages can benefit from sealants! Tooth sealant for adults is a good preventive measure for those who do not have advanced decay or lots of fillings. That being said, the earlier you can get dental sealants, the more effective they are. 

Children are at an ideal time in their development to have preventive resin restoration. We recommend that your kid gets dental sealants when their first molars emerge, around age 6. Sealing the teeth as they erupt makes them more likely to stay cavity-free from the get-go.

an adult male in front of a blue background with a pensive demeanor
a diagram of molars with dental sealant on them

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Applying dental sealant is an easy, quick, and painless process. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned, and cotton is put around the area to keep it dry. A solution is used to roughen up the enamel so that the sealants can bond to the tooth better. Once the teeth are rinsed and dried again, your dentist will paint the sealant onto the tooth and use a curing light to bond it in place.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sealant for teeth usually lasts for a minimum of 3-5 years. If well maintained, sealants can last up to 10 years! Your dentist will monitor the sealant during your bi-yearly cleanings, ensuring the sealant is not chipping or wearing out. If need to, another sealant treatment can be used to repair it.

an orthodontic patient standing in front of a blue background with his arms crossed and a big smile

Get Dental Sealants
in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria

While brushing and flossing will always be the best way to prevent tooth decay, preventive resin restoration is a great additional measure to protect the teeth! We offer tooth sealant for adults and children.

If you’re curious about the benefits of dental sealants, talk to our expert dentists. They will be able to tell you whether you or your child would benefit from this these treatments! Book an appointment in Lompoc, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria today.

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