Dental Sealants in Orlando, FL
Dental sealants offered at Sand Lake Dental in Orlando are thin protective coatings applied to tooth surfaces. They help to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health. Our professional team, led by Dr. Ziyad Maali, customizes dental sealants for each patient’s unique needs. We use the latest materials and techniques to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity. Sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years, so they are a key part of preventive oral healthcare, especially for children.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth. They coat the enamel with a thin plastic shell that blocks sugars and harmful bacteria from contacting the tooth’s surface. This is often done on the back teeth – molars and premolars – as they are more susceptible to bacterial buildup. Even though regular brushing and flossing eliminate most food and sugar particles, the back teeth still contain pits that can foster bacterial accumulation. Dental sealants serve as a protective barrier for these teeth, preventing damage to the enamel.
Sealants are designed to last for around 10 years. However, some patients find that their coatings chip or wear down before that time. Therefore, it is important to continue routine dental visits to regularly inspect the sealants and correct any issues that may occur.
How Dental Sealants are Placed
The process of placing sealants is fast and completely pain-free. The procedure is carefully executed to ensure that the sealant properly adheres to the tooth surface and does not trap any bacteria. Here are the main steps:
Thorough Cleaning
The teeth that are going to be sealed should first be thoroughly cleaned. This ensures that no cavity-causing bacteria are left underneath the protective coating.
Drying the Tooth
Each tooth is dried because wetness may prevent the sealant from adhering properly. A piece of cotton or other material is placed around the teeth to keep them moisture-free.
Roughing the Surface
It is difficult to place the sealant on the smooth surface of the tooth, so an acidic gel is used to make the texture rougher. This procedure allows the sealant to attach to the tooth properly.
Rinsing and Drying
The acidic gel is then thoroughly rinsed off with water to remove any residual material. The tooth is then dried again with air to ensure a completely dry surface for optimal sealant attachment.
Sealant Placement
The sealant is then brushed onto the tooth enamel and bonds with it. Sometimes, a special light is used to cure the sealant and make the protective coating harden faster.
Recovery After Dental Sealants Placement
No recovery is necessary after sealants have been applied. Patients can eat and drink normally immediately. The sealed surface may feel slightly raised or rough at first, but within a couple of weeks, it will smooth out and become comfortable. Checkups a few months later help to ensure that the sealants have fully bonded to the teeth.
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Candidates for Dental Sealants
While sealants are rather easy to place, they are not necessary for every patient. This treatment is primarily designed for children when they first get their premolars and molars. Sealants help to protect their permanent teeth during their cavity-prone years. Children can easily develop tooth decay due to their sugary diets and developing dental habits. Food particles often get trapped in deep grooves (depressions on chewing surfaces) of their premolars and molars, leading to cavities. Therefore, plastic coatings applied to children’s teeth can be a highly effective preventive measure.
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Adults. We may also provide this treatment for adults with tooth decay or fillings in their molars. Sealants can protect vulnerable areas of teeth and prevent cavities. They are a good option for adults with deep grooves in their molars and a history of tooth decay.
Patients With Baby Teeth. In some cases, our dentist may place sealants on a patient’s baby teeth to keep them healthy and aid in proper development. Baby teeth are important to hold space for subsequent adult teeth. Early baby tooth loss may lead to misalignment and other dental problems when the permanent ones erupt.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
In order to preserve healthy teeth, extra protection is often needed because some patients have deep grooves in their molars, while others do not follow proper dental hygiene. Sealants provide a wide range of benefits:
Cost of a Dental sealants in Orlando
The cost of dental sealants in Orlando, FL, ranges from $30 to $75 per tooth. The price varies depending on the type of sealant used and the number of treated teeth. Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens, bringing out-of-pocket expenses down significantly. For uninsured patients, we offer discount plans and flexible financing options via our partners, CareCredit and Sunbit.
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What makes our dental sealants different from others?
Sand Lake Dental provides personalized care in a relaxing environment. Led by Dr. Ziyad Maali, our team focuses on preventive care to optimize patients’ long-term oral health. Our philosophy emphasizes education and proactive treatments like dental sealants to prevent disease rather than just dealing with existing symptoms. We stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies to provide cutting-edge care. Whether patients need routine cleanings and sealants or more advanced treatments, like Invisalign® clear aligners, Sand Lake Dental offers a wide range of services to meet their needs. Our commitment extends beyond the office through community involvement and charitable dental care.
