Dental Sealants in Eau Claire

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and non-invasive preventive dental treatment that plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. These are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, or molars, to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel. Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal, making it an efficient solution for both children and adults. At Shook Family Dental in Eau Claire, Dr. Erin Tollefson and Dr. Joe Bartlett offer this treatment to help patients maintain their oral health and prevent future dental issues.

book your appointment

The Dental Sealants Treatment Process

Cleaning and Preparing the Tooth

The first step in the Eau Claire dental sealant process involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth. This is critical to ensure that no plaque or food particles are trapped beneath the sealant. The tooth is then dried, and a solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the tooth to help the sealant bond to the tooth. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again.

Applying the Sealant

Once the tooth is clean and dry, the sealant is applied. The sealant, a liquid plastic material, is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of the tooth. It fills in the pits and fissures of the tooth, providing a smooth surface that can help prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating.

Setting the Sealant

After the sealant has been applied, it needs to be hardened or set. This is done using a special curing light that hardens the sealant, allowing it to form a hard, protective layer over the tooth. This process is quick and painless, and once the sealant is set, you can chew on the tooth again.

How It Works: The Root Canal Treatment Process

Step 1

Exams & Preparation

During your consultation, we will perform an oral exam and take x-rays to look at the condition of your tooth’s pulp. We will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and will place a rubber dam over the tooth to keep it dry and free of contamination.

Step 2

removing the infected pulp

Then, we will drill an access hole into the tooth and scrape out all of the damaged dental pulp. Your canals will be cleaned and reshaped, which can take one or a few appointments to complete.

Step 3

filling & crown fitting

Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned and reshaped, we will fill the inside of your tooth with gutta-percha. The access hole will then be sealed with a filling and we will place a dental crown over your tooth to protect the now vulnerable tooth from damage.

The Benefits Of Dental Sealants

Protection Against Tooth Decay
One of the main benefits of dental sealants is that they provide a protective barrier against tooth decay. The sealant covers the pits and fissures where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, reducing the risk of cavities. This is particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with maintaining good oral hygiene. Additionally, sealants can last for several years with proper care, providing long-term protection against tooth decay.

‍Cost-Effective Preventive Measure
Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure. They can help prevent the need for more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns. According to the American Dental Association, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Furthermore, many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, making them an even more affordable option for families.

‍Simple and Painless Procedure
‍The process of getting dental sealants is simple and painless. It does not require any drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it a non-invasive procedure. It is quick, with each tooth taking only a few minutes to seal, making it convenient even for busy individuals and families. The procedure is also ideal for patients who experience dental anxiety, as it involves minimal discomfort and no needles. For more information about our dental sealants, contact our Eau Claire dental office!