Expert Protection From Cavities With Our Pineville Dentist
Certain areas of your mouth, such as your back molars, tend to be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. As a result, plaque and bacteria may build up and lead to a cavity, a common yet potentially serious dental health issue.
Cavities can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues that may make it difficult to smile with confidence. No matter your age, you shouldn’t have to worry about cavities ruining your beautiful smile. At Locke Family Dentistry, we believe that every patient deserves a healthy smile they can take pride in.
That’s why our dentist, Dr. Virginia Locke, offers preventative dental sealants to protect your teeth from further or potential cavities. Read on to learn how dental sealants can help protect the hard-to-clean areas of your mouth so you can go about your day without worrying about cavities or bacteria. Our dentist is conveniently located near Rapides Parish, proudly servicing patients in Alexandria and Pineville, LA.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children and teenagers, though they’re a great option for patients of all ages. Our sealant treatments help to protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that normal brushing and flossing can’t reach.
This tooth-colored acrylic coating provides a barrier against bacteria. Sealants also allow for easier tooth cleaning, as the sealants smooth their surfaces. Our experienced dentist typically recommends this treatment for younger patients, though patients of all ages can benefit from dental sealants.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants come with a host of benefits, including:
- Improved oral hygiene
- Short, non-invasive procedure
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Comfortable fit
- Prevents tooth decay
- Durable and long-lasting
Sealants are easy to apply and take only a few minutes to completely seal each tooth. They also hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
The Dental Sealant Process
Receiving dental sealants is a safe and convenient procedure that can typically be completed in one visit to our Pineville office. You’ll first attend an initial consultation with Dr. Locke, where she’ll evaluate your oral health and determine if dental sealants are right for you.
If approved, Dr. Locke can apply the sealants the same day. She’ll begin by meticulously cleaning your teeth to remove any bacteria. Our dentist will then dry off and apply a bonding agent to the targeted teeth. Bonding agents help the sealant better cling to your teeth.
Finally, she’ll paint on the sealant, ensuring it fills every groove and crevice of your teeth. Because of the dental sealant material, your entire tooth will be protected from bacteria, down to the smallest groove. After the sealants have hardened, you’ll be able to leave our office with a protected smile!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can dental sealants be removed?
While dental sealants are removable, this is only performed in the case of extreme wear or damage. If removed, Dr. Locke will immediately reapply the sealant material. This quick and safe procedure can be performed in one visit to our Pineville office.
How much do dental sealants cost?
The exact cost of your dental sealant treatment will depend on several factors, such as how many teeth were treated. Dr. Locke will provide you with a cost estimate at your consultation.
We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider to learn what coverage your plan will provide ahead of time. Our friendly staff will help ensure you receive the maximum benefits your plan has to offer.
How long do dental sealants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental sealants can last up to 10 years before needing to be reapplied. While the material of dental sealants is designed to withstand years of chewing, it’s also important to practice good oral hygiene to keep them in prime condition. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, ideally before bed.
We also encourage patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Pineville office for routine dental exams and cleanings. These regular visits will help support your oral health and sealants.