Dental Sealants in Woodland Hills, CA

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we make your dental health a top priority by using preventive measures to safeguard your teeth from decay and other concerns. One of our standout preventive solutions is dental sealants. This page is your go-to for all things dental sealants and how they can help you and your loved ones.

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are like little shields for your back teeth, especially the molars and premolars. These teeth have tiny nooks and crannies where food bits and bacteria love to hide, causing cavities. Sealants step in to protect these spots, blocking out acids and plaque and keeping decay at bay.

How Dental Sealants Work

The process of applying dental sealants is straightforward and pain-free. First, our highly skilled dentist in Woodland Hills, CA, will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth. A special gel is then applied to roughen the surface slightly, helping the sealant adhere better. After rinsing off the gel and drying the tooth again, the sealant material is painted onto the tooth enamel. A special light is used to harden the sealant, creating a strong, protective shield.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants have a lot to offer, making them a great way to prevent dental issues for both kids and grown-ups! Check out some of the tried and true benefits:

• Prevents Cavities: Sealants effectively block out food particles and bacteria by covering the grooves and pits on teeth’s chewing surfaces, reducing the risk of cavities.
• Cost-Effective: Investing in sealants can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive dental treatments like fillings or crowns.
• Quick and Painless Application: The process of applying sealants is fast, straightforward, and pain-free, making it an ideal choice for both children and adults.
• Durable Protection: Once applied, sealants can last for several years, providing long-lasting protection against decay.
• Safe and Effective: Dental sealants are made from safe materials and have been proven to be an effective barrier against tooth decay.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a versatile preventive treatment that works well for a variety of patients. While they are great for kids and teens, adults can also benefit from this protective option. Check out who can benefit from dental sealants:

• Children and Teenagers: Youngsters and adolescents are more prone to cavities due to their developing oral hygiene habits and diets high in sugary foods.
• Adults with No Decay or Fillings in Molars: Adults who have molars with deep grooves and pits but are free of decay and dental work in these areas of the tooth can also benefit from the added protection of sealants.
• Patients with a history of cavities: Those who have experienced cavities in the past might find sealants beneficial in preventing future decay.
• Orthodontic Patients: People with braces or other orthodontic appliances can use sealants to protect their teeth from decay during treatment.
• Patients with Limited Access to Dental Care: Sealants can be a crucial preventive tool for individuals who may have difficulty accessing regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Getting Dental Sealants at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we aim to make getting dental sealants a smooth and comfortable experience. Our skilled dental team meticulously follows a procedure to ensure your sealants offer superior protection. Here’s what to anticipate during your visit:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination: Your visit starts with a comprehensive dental exam to decide if dental sealants are the right preventive measure for you. Our Woodland Hills, CA, dentist will check your teeth for decay or existing dental work that could impact the application process.
2. Professional Cleaning: Once you qualify for sealants, your teeth will undergo a professional cleaning to clear away plaque, tartar, and food debris. This ensures they’re clean before the sealant is applied.
3. Preparation of the Teeth: After cleaning, each tooth for sealant is dried and isolated to maintain dryness. A special gel is applied to lightly etch the enamel on the chewing surfaces, aiding effective sealant bonding.
4. Application of the Sealant: The gel is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried. Sealant material is painted onto the etched tooth surfaces. Our dental team ensures thorough coverage of grooves and pits.
5. Curing the Sealant: A specialized curing light is used to set the sealant quickly and form a strong shield over the enamel.
6. Final Evaluation and Follow-Up: Once the sealant hardens, the expert dentist will check its bonding to the teeth and smooth out any high spots. You’ll get tips on maintaining the sealants and scheduling follow-up visits for their condition check.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

In most cases, sealants can last for up to 10 years or longer, providing long-term protection from tooth decay. Sticky foods can pull sealants off of a tooth, so be sure to avoid especially tacky textures like caramels or toffee. The goal is for the sealant to last as long as necessary for the child to reach adulthood without cavities in those spaces.

The sealant acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay, protecting the teeth from damage and decay for several years. While it is important to brush and floss regularly, the sealant helps keep the harder-to-reach spaces free of food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. That being said, it is still possible to get cavities around the sealant if home care or dietary choices are inadequate for good dental hygiene. Flossing is still required, as sealants do not protect the spaces between teeth.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

When it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities and tooth decay, one of the most cost-effective preventive measures is dental sealants. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of dental sealants, at least for children and young teens. Without dental insurance, the cost of a dental sealant in Woodland Hills is usually between $30-45, making it a fraction of the cost of a dental filling.

The benefit of using dental sealants is that they can help reduce the risk of future treatment costs associated with tooth decay. Cavities can cause extensive damage to your teeth and require costly treatments such as fillings or root canals. By preventing cavities in the first place with dental sealants, you can save money on future treatment costs, not to mention irreversible dental damage.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of sealants, and the procedure itself is simple and painless. At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we will assess your current dental insurance policy to determine if you or your child qualifies for coverage on dental sealants.

Protect Your Teeth With Dental Sealants in Woodland Hills Today

Protect your teeth from cavities with the simple yet highly effective solution of dental sealants. Woodland Hills Family Dentistry in Woodland Hills, CA, offers comprehensive preventive care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Take the next step in preventive dental care by scheduling your dental sealant appointment. Let Woodland Hills Family Dentistry help you keep your smile bright and healthy!

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On This Page

• Understanding Dental Sealants
• How Dental Sealants Work
• Benefits of Dental Sealants
• Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
• Getting Dental Sealants at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry
• How Long Do Sealants Last?
• How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Related Topics

• Dental Checkups
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Fluoride Treatment
• Mouthguards
• Dental X-Ray
• Pediatric Dentist
• Preventative Dentistry

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Tooth Sealants) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)