Vecchio & Schafer DDS Dental Services
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin, protective plastic coating applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. By bonding into the deep grooves and pits of the premolars and molars, sealants create a smooth, defensive barrier that shields vulnerable enamel from harmful plaque and acid.
When you want to proactively safeguard your family’s smiles against cavities, dental sealants offer an excellent, non-invasive solution. Vecchio & Schafer DDS provides quick and comfortable sealant applications right here in Elyria, OH, helping children and adults maintain optimal preventive oral health.
As a new patient I felt very confident that it was the right choice. Staff and Dr Schafer were friendly and professional.
— Jeanne D.
The Sealant Application Process
The application of a dental sealant is a simple, entirely painless procedure that takes only a few minutes per tooth and is completed during a routine dental visit. Because the process is completely non-invasive, it requires no drilling or local numbing medication.
First, the dentist or dental hygienist thoroughly cleans and dries the target tooth to ensure no debris is trapped underneath. A mild conditioning solution is briefly applied to the chewing surface to slightly roughen the enamel, which helps the sealant form a powerful bond with the tooth. After the tooth is rinsed and dried once more, the liquid sealant material is carefully painted directly onto the deep grooves. A specialized curing light is then focused on the tooth for a few seconds to harden the plastic coating into a durable, permanent shield.
When Dental Sealants are Needed
Dental sealants are primarily needed during childhood and adolescence, as soon as the permanent back teeth emerge. The first permanent molars typically appear around age six, and the second molars arrive around age twelve, making these the ideal windows for protective treatment.
Without sealants, the deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of molars are incredibly difficult to keep clean. These grooves are often narrower than a single toothbrush bristle, making them a natural trap for food particles and cavity-causing bacteria. Leaving these vulnerable surfaces exposed significantly increases the risk of developing childhood tooth decay. While sealants are most common for younger patients, adults with deep, decay-free grooves can also benefit from this preventative barrier to protect their teeth from future cavities.
Should I Get Dental Sealants?
Scheduling a routine preventative examination is the best way to determine if you or your children are good candidates for dental sealants. During a checkup, our clinical team will evaluate the depth of the grooves in the back teeth to see if sealants would provide valuable extra protection.
At Vecchio & Schafer DDS, we focus on providing a warm, welcoming environment to keep patients of all ages relaxed and comfortable. Sealants are a highly cost-effective preventative measure, saving your family the time, discomfort, and expense associated with treating deep cavities later on. We have spent decades helping families across Elyria, Lorain, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, and Amherst maintain healthy smiles. Call our office or book an appointment online today to learn more about adding sealants to your preventative routine.
Protection and Maintenance
Dental sealants are highly resilient and engineered to withstand the daily pressures of chewing for several years. However, maintaining their protective benefits requires a combination of good home habits and regular clinical monitoring.
To ensure your sealants last as long as possible, maintain a thorough daily oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. While sealants protect the chewing surfaces, brushing and flossing are still vital to prevent cavities from forming on the smooth sides and between the teeth. Avoid chewing on excessively hard or sticky candies, which can occasionally pull on or crack the protective coating. Finally, be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups so our team can inspect the sealants for wear and easily reapply or touch up the material if necessary.