Dental Sealants

Seal out tooth decay!

Everyone knows brushing and flossing is a great way to prevent tooth decay, but sometimes kids need a little extra protection for those years when brushing habits are still being developed. At Costa + Williams Dental Health Care, we recommend dental sealants as a preventative measure to protect your child’s newly erupted molars. A sealant is a thin coating applied to the grooves and pits of the back teeth. These areas are particularly susceptible to decay because they have deep grooves in the biting surfaces that trap plaque. The sealant acts as a barrier, sealing off the grooves and pits from food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities.

What are sealants made of?

Dental sealants are thin composite resins that are adhesively bonded to the teeth. These are thin versions of composite filling materials that can flow into the natural grooves of the teeth, where they are hardened with a light, sealing out plaque and stains.

Creating a more human dental practice

Dr. Costa and Dr. Williams believe dental visits should be stress-free and rewarding, a chance to catch up with old friends rather than an ordeal undergone in a cold, impersonal, high-volume clinic.

After Dr. Costa and Dr. Williams graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, they underwent additional education by attending a residency in advanced general dentistry, gaining a wider base of knowledge, experience, and skill in complex restorative, implant, and surgical areas of dentistry.

At Costa + Williams, our team brings a high level of expertise and quality of care into an environment that is enjoyable and where you are surrounded by down-to-earth people you can trust. We care deeply about connecting with our patients and fostering an atmosphere of transparency and friendship.

Practice philosophy

At Costa + Williams Dental Health Care, we consider ourselves to be in the business of caring for people. Instead of establishing a fast-paced atmosphere where clients are rushed through their appointments to make room for the next, we see fewer patients each day, allowing them all the time they need to ask questions, learn about their treatment options, and build trust with our team. If you have had negative experiences in the past, whether due to discomfort or difficult personalities, let our team redefine what it means to see the dentist. We feel certain we can create an experience that you will actually look forward to in the future!

Who is a good candidate for a dental sealant?

Children and teenagers are the primary candidates for dental sealants. The back teeth are the most susceptible to decay because of the deep pits and grooves found in the molars. Sealants can help protect these teeth during the critical period of development and prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.

If your child has tooth sensitivity or dental problems such as cavities, it is vital to address them before getting sealants. Your dentist will evaluate your child’s oral health and determine if sealants are the best option for them.

Anyone looking for an easy and cost-effective way to maintain optimal oral health may be a good candidate for dental sealants. If you’re interested in learning more about whether dental sealants suit you, contact our office to schedule a consultation today. Our experienced dentists will be happy to evaluate your oral health and recommend the best course of action.

A process that is worth your time

Dental sealants are applied quickly and easily in our office in one visit. The process is painless and does not require any drilling or removal of tooth structure. The first step is to clean and dry the teeth to be sealed. Your dentist will then apply an etching solution to the grooves and pits of the back teeth (premolars and molars) to roughen the surface and create a better bond for the sealant.

The teeth are then rinsed and dried before the sealant material is applied. The sealant material is a clear or tooth-colored plastic painted onto the teeth. It is then hardened using a special light. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes per tooth. Once applied, dental sealants can last for several years, depending on the amount of wear and tear. Regular dental checkups will help to ensure the sealants are still effective and in good condition. If a sealant wears or chips off, it can be easily reapplied.