Dental Sealants in Farmingdale, NY

Dental sealants are an easy procedure to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. These thin, pliable, plastic coatings can be applied to the tops of the back teeth (molars and premolars) and fill in any grooves in the teeth of adults and children to block tartar, plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Dental sealants can stay on for years with proper care that includes a good home oral hygiene routine. Sealants not only improve the health of your mouth, but they may also save you money during future dental exams at KFA Dental Excellence. Talk to one of our skilled dentists at your appointment in our Farmingdale, NY office to decide if sealants are right for you or your child.

At KFA Dental Excellence, we recommend state-of-the-art dental sealants for many patients as an extra protective measure for healthy teeth. These sealants offer benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds, including:

• Better protection against cavities and decay
• Easier to clean and care for teeth, since sealants prevent debris from getting stuck in grooves
• Faster than other types of preventive care because sealants require only one visit and no cutting or drilling
• More affordable than other treatments like fillings or crowns
• Visible, immediate results that last for years with proper care

If you are prone to developing cavities or tooth decay, you may be a good candidate for dental sealants. In many cases, these are also recommended for children and teens who may have a more difficult time maintaining a good oral hygiene routine since sealing teeth helps prevent cavities. Sealant application is a simple, fast treatment that usually doesn't need sedation or anesthesia, making it an easy procedure for all patients. If you think you need sealants or have other questions on preventive dental health, contact KFA Dental Excellence in Farmingdale, NY today. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy mouth.

In your consultation, Dr. Kahn, Dr. Ferrari, Dr. Aldieri, or one of their associates will first examine your teeth to decide if sealants are a good treatment for you. Prior to the actual application, we will clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Then, your dentist will apply the sealant with a small brush and set it with a light. After the application, we will ensure that the dental sealant has settled into the correct position. Dental sealants are very thin and fill the grooves of the teeth so it's unlikely you or your children will feel them; however, they can sometimes be felt with the tongue shortly after being placed.

Following the procedure, you should be free to return to your normal activities. At first, it may feel like you're biting on something, but that should subside quickly. It is important for you to follow a regular oral care plan, including brushing your teeth twice every day, along with mouthwash and flossing. You should also try to avoid putting pressure on your teeth or consuming sticky foods to maintain proper sealant care. Sealants generally last close to nine years; however, at each dental exam at KFA Dental Excellence, we will determine if your sealants need to be reapplied.

Can adults get sealants?
A common misconception about dental sealants is that they are reserved for children. While sealants are certainly a common treatment used to protect children's young teeth before they develop cavities or decay, sealants are also beneficial for preserving the health and integrity of adult teeth. Men and women who are looking to boost their preventive dental health often turn to dental sealants as an option for protecting otherwise healthy teeth against plaque and tartar, cavities, and decay.

Can you put a sealant over a filling?
No, you cannot. Dental sealants are designed to be placed over healthy teeth, particularly those that may have deep grooves or crevices that may make them more susceptible to decay and cavities.

What are dental sealants made out of?
Dental sealants are typically made from a liquid composite material that is brushed onto the teeth and cured with a specialized light. Most sealants, after they are hardened, are clear or slightly opaque but should not be visible with normal talking, laughing, or smiling.

You or your child may benefit from dental sealants from KFA Dental Excellence to maintain general dental health. They are a great option to avoid future dental procedures, like cavity fillings. A relatively quick and easy procedure, sealants can help you and your family experience better dental visits and improved general oral health. If you would like to get more information about dental sealants, contact our Farmingdale, NY office to book an appointment with Dr. Kahn, Dr. Ferrari, or Dr. Aldieri today.