Sealants
Dental Sealants in Arlington Heights, IL
Protecting your family’s teeth from decay is a top priority, and dental sealants offer one of the most effective preventive solutions available. James Kakos DDS provides dental sealants in Arlington Heights, IL to help boost your oral health and lower the risk of cavities. Our comprehensive sealant services help patients of all ages maintain healthier smiles for years.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Made from a safe plastic resin material, sealants act as a barrier between your tooth enamel and the bacteria, food particles, and acids that cause tooth decay.
The deep grooves and pits naturally found on the surfaces of molars can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing. These areas become prime locations for cavity formation. Dental sealants effectively seal these areas and create a smooth surface that’s easier to keep clean.
How Does a Sealant Help Prevent Decay?
Your back teeth contain natural pits that can trap food debris and bacteria even with diligent brushing and flossing. These microscopic crevices are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to reach effectively, creating the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. When dental sealants are properly applied, they:
- Create a barrier against bacteria and food particles
- Smooth out deep grooves making them easier to clean during regular brushing
- Reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in treated teeth
- Strengthen tooth enamel with an additional protective layer
Reasons for Sealants
Several factors make dental sealants an excellent preventive treatment option. The most common reasons children and teens need sealants include:
- Newly erupted permanent molars are most vulnerable to decay
- Young patients are still developing proper brushing techniques
- School-age children often consume more sugary snacks and beverages
For Adults:
- Deep grooves in molars that are difficult to clean
- History of frequent cavities
- Dry mouth conditions that increase decay risk
- Cost-effective prevention compared to future restorative treatments
How Sealants Work
Dental sealants create a protective shield over the most vulnerable areas of your teeth. The liquid resin flows into the deep pits and grooves of your molars, then hardens to form a smooth, protective surface. This sealed surface prevents:
- Food particles from becoming trapped
- Bacteria from colonizing in hard-to-reach areas
- Acid production that leads to enamel breakdown
- Cavity formation in treated areas
What Do Sealants Involve?
The dental sealant procedure is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. The sealant process involves cleaning and drying the treatment area to prepare it before applying a mild etching gel. Our dental team then removes and rinses the etching gel and applies the liquid sealant material into the grooves. The last step includes a special curing light is used to harden the sealant.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
The process of applying dental sealants is a typically fast and painless one. The steps to place dental sealants include:
- Cleaning the Teeth: We thoroughly clean the teeth to ensure no debris or plaque remains on the surface.
- Drying the Teeth: Each tooth is dried, and a small piece of absorbent material is placed around the tooth.
- Preparing the Surface: A gel is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Rinsing and Drying: The gel is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.
- Applying the Sealant: The liquid sealant is applied to the grooves of the teeth where it quickly bonds.
- Hardening the Sealant: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
The first permanent molars typically erupt around age six, making this an ideal time for sealant application. The second set of permanent molars typically grows in around age 12. Adults with deep grooves in their molars, a history of decay, or increased cavity risk factors are excellent candidates for dental sealants.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer an easy way to help lower the risk of cavities for all ages. By forming a protective barrier over the grooves and pits of the teeth, sealants prevent food particles and plaque from accumulating in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants are fast and painless to apply, making them a convenient preventive measure. Additionally, they can save time and money in the long term by minimizing the need for fillings or other restorative treatments. Though especially beneficial for younger patients, adults with cavity-prone teeth can reap the advantages of dental sealants.
Other Dental Services We Offer
James Kakos DDS’s office provides general, cosmetic, and emergency dental services. We do it all, from teeth whitening to regular cleanings. We welcome all ages of patients into our dental chair.
Why Choose James Kakos DDS?
James Kakos DDS combines experienced professionals with the latest dental technology for premium care. We are committed to continuing education and advanced techniques. When you walk into our dental office, you can expect personalized treatment plans for each patient. You can trust us to take care of you with a smile. Get in touch today to schedule a dental appointment with our friendly team.
Dental Sealants FAQS
Our dental team is always here to answer your dentistry questions. Below, we’ve answered some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about dental sealants.
Are Dental Sealants Good for Teeth?
Yes, dental sealants are extremely beneficial for teeth. They provide effective protection against cavities without requiring any removal of healthy tooth structure.
Why Should Someone Get Sealant?
The most significant reason to get sealants is they help prevent cavities at all ages. Dental sealants typically cost less than fillings or restorative treatments. You can expect long-lasting protection for years that helps maintain the natural strength and structure of teeth.
When Is a Good Time to Get Sealant?
There is never a wrong time to get a sealant. Our dental team will inspect the grooves of your teeth to determine the best possible time for sealants.