Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of a child’s back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always reach all the areas of the back teeth to remove food and plaque.
Dental sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food. While a dental sealant is not an alternative to good oral hygiene, it can certainly give your children’s teeth that extra layer of protection. Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings will help to ensure your child’s oral health reaches an optimal level.
The Dental Sealant Process
The five steps of applying dental sealants are standard in all dental practices; here is what you can expect at Impressions Dentistry.
- Clean and dry the teeth: Dr. Bath and his team thoroughly clean each tooth receiving the dental sealants. After cleaning, each tooth is dried, and cotton or similar material is placed around it to keep it dry.
- Apply an acidic solution: The next step in the dental sealant process is to apply an acidic solution, which helps the sealant coating bond to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. The application of the solution should not cause any discomfort. It also does not affect the dental enamel, so the tooth will still look natural after the sealant material wears away (5-10 years following sealant application).
- Rinse and dry the teeth: The tooth is then rinsed again and dried to ensure it is adequately clean and ready for the dental sealant to be applied.
- Spread the sealant over the enamel: After the tooth is thoroughly rinsed, dried, and roughened up with the acidic solution, the next step is to spread the sealant over its surface. This coating is a thin film that serves as a layer of protection over the enamel without compromising the appearance of the teeth.
- Harden the dental sealants with a curing light: The last step is to harden the dental sealants with a curing light. This allows for a strong and durable hold and reduces the risk of complications requiring the sealant material’s reapplication.
No Insurance is No Problem!
If you’d like to learn more about tooth sealants in Olympia, please contact Impressions Dentistry. We offer a warm, welcoming environment and friendly, professional staff to answer any questions. We also do everything we can to make your dental care affordable.
Impressions Dentistry is now making dental treatments even more affordable with an in-house membership plan.
For $459 per year, patients can receive:
- Two dental cleanings per year
- Two dental exams per year
- Four dental x-rays (if they’re required)
- 20% discount on all standard fees
- Two dental cleanings per year
- Two dental exams per year
- Four dental x-rays (if they’re required)
- 20% discount on all standard fees
Those without dental insurance find this dental plan very affordable, particularly when extensive treatment is required. The dental cleanings and exams can help keep the cost of future treatment down, and the 20% discount could save you hundreds of dollars or even thousands.
All treatments currently offered at Impressions Dentistry are covered under this discount plan and include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more. Impressions Dentistry is a full-service dentist and can cater to most oral health needs.
We also offer CareCredit® to our patients with no dental insurance.
Schedule a New Patient Appointment
If you live in or around Olympia, Washington, please contact Impressions Dentistry by calling (360) 493-1866, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our team members will reach out soon to answer any questions you may have or to assist with scheduling your new patient appointment. We also offer a complimentary dental implant consultation if you or a loved one is facing tooth loss.
