Easy, affordable, painless dental sealants prevent cavities and stop early-stage decay in its tracks
Led by Dr. Kimberly Wright, our team lives up to the Advance Dental Arts Center name. We advance dental techniques, technologies, artistry, and knowledge with exceptional training and targeted investments. We also advance partnerships with our patients. Dental care is our priority. Altogether, these facets of our center in West Linn, Oregon, support the maintenance of a happy, healthy, beautiful smile and a comfortable, convenient, and pleasant experience with dentistry.
Since Dr. Wright gets to know each patient, she tends to recommend preventative services proactively – as patients approach certain milestones. For instance, dental sealants may be recommended for pediatric patients around six or seven. It is at this stage that the first permanent molars begin to erupt or break through the gums.
Sealants: The “whys” and “how”
Both molars and premolars are challenging to keep clean. They reside at the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach and maneuver with a toothbrush or floss. Additionally, their pitted and grooved surfaces tend to trap food particles. Lingering food promotes the development of harmful plaque. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nine of every ten cavities that children develop occur in these permanent back teeth!
Fortunately, sealants are an effective, affordable, fast, non-invasive, and painless way to protect these decay-prone back teeth. The CDC puts numbers to the effectiveness of this process: Sealants reportedly protect against 80% of cavities in the first two years following application and continue to protect for up to four years.
Additionally, sealants can halt the progression of early-stage tooth decay or enamel erosion when the affected tooth is treated promptly. By applying sealants to quite literally “seal out” food, harmful bacteria, and plaque, the damaged tooth is protected. While there is no substitute for good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, professional cleanings at our office), this approach can aid in preventing early decay from progressing into a full-blown cavity.
Dr. Wright can seamlessly fit the sealant process into a regular dental check-up. The back teeth are simply cleaned, dried, and conditioned. So, the sealant attaches well to the tooth. The sealant itself is brushed on as a safe liquid. After the teeth have been precisely and adequately treated, the liquid is “cured” or hardened with a specialized light. And that’s it!
Both children and older patients with risks for tooth decay may be appropriate candidates for preventive dental sealants. Also, as a preventative service, sealants are typically 100% covered by most dental insurance plans. Call (503) 694-4776 today to schedule your check-up at Advance Dental Arts Center in West Linn – proudly serving the oral health needs of individuals and families in Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Gladstone, Milwaukee, Wilsonville, and greater Portland.
