Dental Sealants in Santa Barbara, CA

Brushing and flossing twice daily will always be the best first step for preventing cavities. But even with that oral hygiene routine in place, decay can still occur, so it's important to take every precaution when it comes to your teeth. Your molars can be especially vulnerable, because they constantly trap leftover food and bacteria!

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants add an extra layer of protection for your teeth to help prevent bacteria from forming and causing severe issues.

Sealants are dried layers of liquid plastic that polymerizes, or hardens, on the chewing surface of the teeth. Typically applied to the molars, the sealant is dried using a curing light and fills in any deep fissures to protect your teeth from harm.

What Do Dental Sealants Do?

Sealants effectively assist your enamel in preventing harmful acid attacks which can cause damage to your teeth. They keep out bacteria and small food particles and that makes it easier to maintain clean teeth along with regular brushing and flossing.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sealants can last for many years, and they are a quick and easy treatment that can be completed during an office visit. Although they may last up to ten years or longer, they are the most effective during the initial 48 months following the application. Your dentist may suggest reapplying sealants more frequently if they seem to be wearing down quickly due to certain foods, beverages, or teeth grinding.

How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?

Sealants offer another layer of security for the chewing surface of your teeth so that they are protected from harm. Although they are typically used in children, adults can also benefit from dental sealants. Anyone is at risk for developing tooth decay and cavities.

Sealants help to decrease the occurrence of cavities because they prevent plaque and food from gathering in the depressions of the tooth's natural surface. Dental sealants are an excellent form of preventative maintenance for your teeth. By spending a small amount of money up front to pay for sealants, you can avoid many costly and complex dental procedures in the future.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

Here are a few of the advantages that you can expect to receive when you have dental sealants applied by our team here at See Me Smile Dental:

Dental sealants help protect the grooves of the teeth from small food particles.
Sealants are easy to apply and the liquid only takes a few minutes to completely dry and harden.
The chewing surface of your teeth are protected immediately following the application
Sealants are strong enough to endure the force of everyday chewing. They can last for many years before reapplication is required.
Dental sealants are one of effective and affordable ways to prevent cavities and protect your teeth.
Sealants are available in either clear or white, so they are invisible while you are smiling, talking or eating.

What Are the Different Options Available for Dental Sealants?

There are several types of dental sealants available. The main types of sealants used are resin-based and glass ionomer cement. Our team here at See you Smile Dental can go over the options and help you decide which type is the best option for you.

What Should I Expect from a Dental Sealant Procedure?

The application of dental sealants is a simple process that is painless and doesn't take very long to complete. Sealants can also be applied in our office during one visit.

What Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Dental sealants are very affordable and can cost $35 to $60 per tooth before insurance. We will go over all costs and payment options with you!

What Is the Dental Sealant Process?

The process for applying dental sealants is as follows:

The teeth that the sealants will be applied to must be thoroughly cleaned, so a lot of times we pair dental sealants with your routine teeth cleaning.
Every tooth is dried and an absorbent material such as cotton is placed around the tooth to ensure it stays dry.
Next, an acid solution is placed on the chewing surface of the teeth. This helps to roughen them and also assists in helping the sealant bond correctly to the teeth.
Afterward, the teeth are rinsed and dried.
The sealant material is then painted on the tooth enamel. This is where it bonds directly to the tooth and starts to harden.
Finally, a tool known as a curing light is used to help the sealant completely harden.

What Happens After I Get a Dental Sealant?

Dental sealants should be checked during routine dental exams to see if there are any issues with chipping or wearing down. Our dentists can replace your sealants as needed in our office and the process only takes a few minutes to complete!

Meet Dr. Omid

Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.

From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.

Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.

No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.

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