Protecting Smiles with Dental Sealants
At Downtown Dental Group, we believe that the most effective way to maintain a healthy smile is through proactive prevention. While daily brushing and flossing are essential foundations for oral health, they cannot always reach the deepest grooves of your back teeth. This is where dental sealantsplay a vital role in your family’s dental care plan. Since 1986, our practice has been dedicated to helping patients in Manhattan, Kansas, keep their natural teeth healthy and cavity-free for a lifetime.
Dr. Juliana Hall and Dr. Ben Reckmeyer recommend sealants as a simple, non-invasive safety net for your teeth. By placing a protective barrier over the vulnerable surfaces of molars and premolars, our team can help block out the bacteria and food particles that lead to tooth decay. Whether you are looking to protect your child’s newly erupted permanent teeth or want to safeguard your own smile, our general dentistryteam is here to provide the preventive care you need.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, please reach out to our team by calling (785) 776-0097.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth—usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. These teeth have deep grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean effectively with toothbrush bristles alone. When these areas are sealed off, plaque and acids are prevented from settling into the enamel.
At Downtown Dental Group, we utilize high-quality materials that bond quickly to the tooth structure. The result is a smooth surface that is easier to clean and significantly more resistant to cavities. This preventive measure is particularly popular for children, but it is an excellent option for patients of all ages who want to avoid the need for more extensive restorative dentistrylater in life.
The Benefits of Choosing Sealants
The primary benefit of sealants is their ability to prevent cavities. However, the advantages extend beyond just protection. By choosing this preventive treatment at our dental office near you, you are investing in:
- Long-Term Cost Savings:Preventing a cavity is far more affordable than treating one. Sealants help you avoid the costs associated with fillings, crowns, or root canals.
- Painless Application:The process is entirely non-invasive. There is no drilling and no need for numbing, making it a stress-free experience for patients with dental anxiety.
- Invisible Protection:Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, meaning they are virtually undetectable when you speak or smile.
- Time Efficiency:The application process is fast, often completed during a regular checkup, saving you from scheduling multiple appointments.
Our goal is to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We use state-of-the-art dental technology to ensure precise application and lasting results.
Candidates for Dental Sealants
While sealants are frequently associated with pediatric dentistry, they are beneficial for a wide range of patients. Our dentists often recommend them for:
- Children and Teenagers:As soon as the six-year and twelve-year molars appear, applying sealants can protect them during the most cavity-prone years (ages 6 to 14).
- Adults:If you have deep grooves or depressions in your teeth that do not have decay or fillings, you can benefit from sealants.
- Patients with a History of Decay:Individuals who are naturally more susceptible to cavities can use sealants as an extra line of defense.
If you are unsure if you or your child are candidates, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our team is happy to evaluate your oral health and discuss your options. Please contact us at (785) 776-0097to book an appointment.
The Application Process
Receiving sealants at Downtown Dental Group is a quick and comfortable procedure. It typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. Here is what you can expect during your visit:
- Cleaning:The teeth that will be sealed are thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or food debris.
- Preparation:Each tooth is dried, and an absorbent material is placed around the tooth to keep it dry. An acid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- Rinsing and Drying:The teeth are rinsed and dried again.
- Application:The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden faster.
Once the sealant is hard, you can chew on the tooth as normal. This simple process can save you from needingdental fillingsor more complex procedures down the road.
Comparing Sealants and Fillings
It is important to understand the difference between sealants and fillings. Sealants are a preventive measure intended to stop decay before it starts. Fillings are a restorative treatment used to repair damage that has already occurred.
By opting for sealants early, you preserve your natural tooth structure. Once a tooth is decayed, it must be drilled and filled, which permanently alters the tooth. Downtown Dental Group focuses on minimally invasive dentistry, and sealants are one of the best tools we have to keep your smile intact without the need for drilling.
To learn more about our preventive approach, call our office today at (785) 776-0097.
Maintaining Your Sealants
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regulardental cleanings. During your routine visits to our Manhattan, KS office, Dr. Hall or Dr. Reckmeyer will ensure your sealants are still intact. If necessary, sealants can be easily replaced.
Maintaining them is simple: just practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a balanced diet are all that is required to keep your sealants—and your smile—in great shape.
Why Choose Downtown Dental Group?
When looking for dentists near you, it is essential to find a practice that combines experience with a compassionate approach. Downtown Dental Group has been a staple in the Manhattan community for decades. We are proud to serve not only Manhattan but also surrounding areas like Wamego and Junction City.
Our office is equipped with modern amenities to ensure your visit is pleasant. From the moment you walk in, our friendly staff works to make you feel at home. Whether you are here for a routine cleaning or a specific preventive treatment like sealants, we are committed to your satisfaction and health.
Don’t wait until a cavity forms to think about protection. Call us at (785) 776-0097to protect your smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the application of dental sealants is completely painless. There is no drilling or removal of tooth structure involved. Most patients describe the sensation as simply having their teeth painted. It is a very easy appointment, even for young children.
Sealants are generally used to prevent cavities, not to treat them. However, in some early stages of decay, a sealant may be applied to stop the decay from spreading. Our dentists will use digital X-rays and visual exams to determine if a tooth is healthy enough for a sealant or if it requires a filling.
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants, particularly for patients under the age of 18. Coverage for adults varies by provider. We accept many different forms of dental insurance and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits. If you are uninsured, we will work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget.
With proper care, sealants can last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular checkups, we will monitor the condition of the sealants and recommend reapplication if they show signs of significant wear or chipping.
Schedule Your Visit at Our Manhattan, KS Office
Your smile deserves the best protection available. At Downtown Dental Group, we are passionate about helping our neighbors in Manhattan, Riley, Zeandale, and St. George achieve optimal oral health. Dr. Juliana Hall, Dr. Ben Reckmeyer, and our entire skilled team look forward to welcoming you to our dental family.
Prevent cavities before they start and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a protected smile.
Contact us today or call (785) 776-0097 to schedule your appointment for dental sealants at our dentist’s office near you.