DENTAL SEALANTS

DENTAL SEALANTS FOR ASHBURN

A black and white icon of a tooth on a white background.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could put up a physical shield to protect your teeth from the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities? With dental sealants, it’s possible. They’re clear coverings that are painted directly onto the surface of the back teeth, also known as the molars. Your dentist in 20147, Dr. Sabharwal , recommends dental sealants for children, and for adults who need a little extra protection against cavities. It’s a simple preventive step that can keep teeth healthy for years after application.

HOW CAVITIES DEVELOP

Plaque is the clear, sticky substance that’s constantly forming on the surface of teeth. When it’s not thoroughly removed with good brushing and flossing, plaque combines with the bacteria that’s already present in the mouth. The acids released from this combination cause the small holes in the tooth enamel we know as cavities.

The back teeth are at an especially high risk for decay. The pits and fissures present on the surface of the molars are perfect for the collection of forgotten food particles and plaque -- and for already cavity-prone children who are still developing their brushing and flossing habits, the combination can be bad news for dental health. Fortunately, dental sealants provide a great help in preventing cavities.

A black and white icon of a tooth on a white background.
A dentist is examining a patient 's teeth with a mirror.

DENTAL SEALANTS: HOW THEY WORK

The treatment for dental sealants is completely painless and completed in just one quick application. It’s a thin, plastic covering that’s painted onto the chewing surface of each molar. The tooth will be cleaned, dried and roughened with a special solution to aid in the secure bonding between the sealant and the dental enamel. After it’s painted on, the sealant bonds with the tooth under a special curing light.

Once complete, the sealant will be effective in protecting the tooth from decay by sealing out plaque and food particles for up to 10 years, on average. We’ll continue to check on your sealants in your regular checkup and cleaning, and if a problem (like a leak or tear) does develop, it’s fixed as easily as the initial application.

WHO NEEDS DENTAL SEALANTS

Because children are most vulnerable to cavities between the ages of 6 and 14, Dr. Sabharwal will likely recommend dental sealants for your child or teen. But everyone can benefit from extra cavity protection -- so if you’re interested in protecting your own teeth from decay, talk to us about the preventive benefits of dental sealants during your next checkup and cleaning.


Adults who are at an increased risk for cavities include those who:

 

  • Smoke or use tobacco
  • Have certain conditions, like heartburn and dry mouth
  • Have poor dental hygiene habits
  • Have an eating disorder

 

A black and white icon of a tooth on a white background.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

If you’re interested in protecting your own or your child’s teeth from decay, don’t wait to schedule a checkup and cleaning at Dr. Sabharwal’s office. Let us know you’re interested in dental sealants in Ashburn when you do! We’ll apply the simple treatment to protect the molars from cavities for years to come. What are you waiting for? Request your appointment today!

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