“Dental sealants are a quick, painless, and effective way to protect back teeth from cavities —reducing the risk by up to 80% and benefiting patients of all ages.” – Dr. Callie Krajicek

For Starters, What Are Dental Sealants?

Have you heard of dental sealants? These little dental superheroes might sound unassuming, but they play a giant role in keeping your smile healthy and strong—at any age! Here at Bel Drive Dental in Omaha, Dr. Callie Krajicek and Dr. Jeffery Nielsen are big believers in the power of dental sealants and recommend them to patients of all ages.

Think of dental sealants as tiny raincoats for your teeth! They are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits that can trap food particles and plaque, creating a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. Brushing and flossing are important, but they can’t always reach all the nooks and crannies.

Sealants: The Superhero Power of Prevention

Dental sealants act as a barrier, sealing out food debris and plaque, making it much harder for cavities to form. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80% for several years! That’s a superhero-worthy statistic!

Why Bel Drive Dental Recommends Sealants for All Ages

Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from sealants. Adults can also develop cavities in their back teeth, especially those with deep grooves or pits—our team of professionals recommends getting sealants sooner rather than later. Your first molars appear around age 6, and your second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run.

Here at Bel Drive Dental, Dr. Krajicek and Dr. Nielsen believe in preventive dentistry. Sealants are a simple, painless, and cost-effective way to prevent cavities and keep your smile healthy for years.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can be a fantastic long-term investment in your oral health. Studies show they can effectively shield your teeth from cavity-causing culprits for several years. Generally, sealants can last anywhere from 2 to 9 years, depending on various factors like:

• Your oral hygiene habits: Brushing and flossing regularly helps the sealant stay bonded to your tooth.
  •  This will help remove plaque and bacteria from around the sealants and keep your teeth and gums healthy
• Diet: A diet high in sugary or acidic foods can wear down the sealant faster.
  • We recommend avoiding hard candies, ice, and other hard foods that can crack or chip the sealant. Sticky foods like taffy or gummies can also dislodge the sealant. 
• Wear and tear: Chewing on hard objects can chip or crack the sealant.

Regular dental checkups are crucial for monitoring the condition of your sealant. During these visits, your Omaha dentist can check for chipping or wear and reapply the sealant if needed. The sealant durability is a shield you can count on to last. 

How Are Sealants Placed? The Sealant Application: A Speedy Superhero Landing

Getting dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect:

• Cleaning the Tooth: One of our skilled, gentle hygienists will thoroughly clean the tooth surface to ensure a strong bond.
• Preparing the Tooth: A mild solution might be applied to slightly roughen the tooth’s enamel, creating a better surface for the sealant to adhere to.
• Applying the Sealant: The liquid sealant is carefully painted onto the tooth’s chewing surface and then cured with a special light.

That’s it! The entire process usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WITH DENTAL SEALANTS

At Bel Drive Dental, we happily welcome patients of all ages in Omaha! If you have questions about dental sealants or want to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly team today. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile throughout every stage of life. You can find our Omaha office conveniently located at 2456 S 120th St, Omaha, NE 68144, just minutes off Highway 680, near Royalwood Estates.

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash the cavity-fighting power of dental sealants and keep your smile shining brightly!