Dental Sealants in Fort Myers, FL
Cavities are most likely to form on the chewing surface of back teeth. Children are the most prone to develop decay in this area. If you run your tongue over your molars, you will understand why. These are rough surfaces filled with pits and fissures. The deep grooves trap leftover food debris and bacteria.
Furthermore, it isn’t easy to thoroughly clean back teeth with a toothbrush. Bristles can’t get inside the tiny crevices. As a result, bacteria thrive, and tooth decay develops.
Kids and Tooth Decay
Children have newly erupted adult teeth that are less resistant to decay than their parent’s teeth. It takes time for the outer enamel to harden and grow stronger. Fluoride in tap water, oral care products, and at your Fort Myers, FL dentist’s office strengthens young enamel. However, it can be challenging to get the mineral into the pits and fissures every day. It’s a good thing Freedom Dental Fort Myers offers a solution: dental sealants near you.
Tooth Sealants Near You
Sealants are discreet plastic coatings that Dr. Joseph Vanderbosch applies to the chewing surfaces. The clear plastic resin smooths out the roughness making teeth easier to clean and more decay-resistant. In fact, sealed teeth are far less likely to form cavities. Therefore, there is no need for expensive and invasive restorative treatments. Even more, no pain!
The Process of Placing Sealants
Consider a dental sealant as a transparent tooth filling. But be sure to inform your child that Dr. Joseph Vanderbosch does not place the plastic coating to fix a cavity. Instead, sealants help prevent decay. Since there are no nerves in tooth enamel, the routine procedure does not require an anesthetic. Rest assured, no pain is involved. Your dentist in Fort Myers, FL first performs a dental exam. If we discover signs of minor decay, we will gently remove it. Then the treated tooth will be cleaned and the surface dried. Next, your dentist will apply an etching solution to roughen the surface just a bit. This step allows the sealant to adhere better to the tooth. The rinse and dry processes are repeated. Dr. Joseph Vanderbosch can now paint the plastic layer on the tooth and harden it with a curing light. That is all it takes!
FAQs
Sealants are thin coatings that protect the deep grooves of back teeth where brushing can’t always reach. They fill in the deep grooves where food and bacteria often collect, making those teeth easier to clean and helping prevent cavities. The material is tooth-colored, so it blends in with your smile.
Sealants are most common for children and teens once their permanent molars come in, but adults with deep grooves and no decay in those teeth can benefit too. If you or your child gets cavities easily, sealants are a simple way to add an extra layer of protection. We’ll recommend them when we see they’re a good fit.
We clean and dry the tooth, place a gentle etching gel for a short time, rinse, dry again, and then paint the sealant onto the grooves. A special light hardens it in seconds. There are no injections, drilling, or removal of tooth structure, and the whole process is quick and comfortable.
Sealants can protect teeth for several years, though they may wear down or chip over time. At your regular checkups, we’ll check them and touch up or replace them when needed. Good brushing, flossing, and fluoride still matter—sealants help, but they don’t replace daily home care.
Yes. Sealant materials used in dentistry are widely studied and considered safe when applied correctly. The coating stays on the tooth surface and hardens right away. If you have questions about ingredients, we’re happy to review them with you and choose the best option for your family.