Dentist - Tampa, FL

Dental sealants are one of modern dentistry's most straightforward and most effective preventive procedures. Applying a sealant takes only one visit, is entirely painless, and provides a strong barrier against cavities!

Here's What to Expect During Your Appointment:

• Thorough Cleaning and Drying
  We start by cleaning and drying the teeth to be sealed. To keep the tooth completely dry, we place soft cotton or gauze around it, ensuring no moisture interferes. A clean, dry surface is key for the sealant material to adhere correctly.
• Prepping the Tooth's Surface
  Next, a gentle etching solution is applied to the chewing surface. This mild acid lightly roughens the enamel, creating an ideal bonding surface for the sealant material. Afterward, the tooth is rinsed and dried thoroughly to prepare for sealing.
• Applying the Sealant Material
  The sealant is a protective, plastic-like material that we brush onto the grooves and pits of your tooth's chewing surface. This liquid material flows into every nook and cranny, bonding directly to the enamel.
• Curing the Sealant
  Finally, we use a special blue curing light to harden the sealant, creating a durable shield that removes harmful plaque and bacteria.

And that's it! Your tooth is sealed and protected in just a few minutes, helping you maintain a cavity-free smile with minimal effort. Sealants are excellent for children and adults who want to prevent tooth decay.

Decay generally happens in premolars and molars due to the build-up of bacteria within the crevices of the tooth's biting surface. Even with proper oral hygiene, bacteria within these deep crevices is extremely hard to brush out and can allow plaque and bacteria to form thus leading to a cavity, which then needs to be filled.

Dental sealants effectively create a protective layer over a tooth's biting surface by sealing off tooth crevices making it impossible for plaque and bacteria to form. Dental sealants also make brushing these teeth much more effective which also keeps the cavities away.

Dental sealants are for everyone so we invite you to request an appointment and come in to talk more with us about getting dental sealants.

Dental sealants are perhaps one of the most affordable preventive dental services that you can receive. In most cases, dental sealants cost less than $50 per tooth and end up preventing much more costly dental procedures such as fillings, root canals and even needing the tooth to be extracted and replaced.

Are Sealants Covered Under Dental Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans do cover the cost of dental sealants as a means to keep good oral health and prevent cavities. If you are not sure that your specific plan will cover dental sealants, we can look into it for you. Call our office at (813) 209-0338 or request an appointment today and we can take a look.

Dental sealants are very hard and stand up well against normal biting and chewing forces. Sealants can last as long as 10 years without needing to be replaced; however, during a regular dental checkup we will check your sealants for any chipping or excessive wearing. Dental sealants in need of replacement can generally be done on-the-spot as necessary.