Dental sealants provide a simple, effective way to protect back teeth from cavities. At Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry, we offer sealants as a preventative treatment to block plaque and bacteria from settling into the deep grooves of molars.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are tooth-colored coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These areas have deep pits and grooves where plaque can hide, even with good brushing. Sealants create a smooth surface that makes oral hygiene easier and helps prevent tooth decay.
Why Dental Sealants Are Important
Sealants add an extra layer of protection between teeth and cavity-causing bacteria. They support long-term oral health in several important ways:
- Prevention of tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas
- More effective brushing and plaque removal
- Protection for permanent teeth as they first come in
- Added support for preventive care and reduced need for future restorative treatments
Sealants serve as one component of a preventive dental plan that supports long-term cavity prevention.
Cavity Protection for the Whole Family
We may recommend sealants to protect teeth that are more prone to cavities. Sealants provide an added layer of protection to help keep back teeth strong and healthy.
Children and Teens
Back permanent teeth typically erupt between ages six and twelve. Applying dental sealants soon after these teeth appear helps protect them during the cavity-prone years.
Adults
Sealants are less common in adults but can still be helpful. We may recommend them for teeth with deep grooves, early signs of decay, or for individuals with a higher risk of cavities due to dry mouth, medications, or systemic conditions.
Your dentist will evaluate your dental health during your exam and recommend sealants if appropriate.
💡 Did You Know? Dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities in school-age children by up to 80%. Kids without sealants get nearly three times more cavities, making sealants one of the most effective preventive treatments available.
What to Expect During the Dental Sealant Procedure
The dental sealant procedure is quick, comfortable, and completed in just a few steps:
- Dental exam and cleaning: We start by checking your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Professional cleanings may be completed beforehand to remove plaque.
- Tooth preparation: The tooth surface is cleaned and dried.
- Etching: A gentle solution prepares the enamel so the sealant material can bond.
- Application: The tooth-colored dental sealant material is painted onto the grooves of the tooth.
- Curing: A special light hardens the sealant within seconds.
There is no discomfort, no drilling, and no numbing needed.
Caring for Your Smile Between Visits
Sealants help protect teeth, but they work best when paired with consistent oral hygiene habits:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride or nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove dental plaque
- Maintain routine dental checkups
- Enjoy a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks
Together, these habits help keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Our Commitment to Your Oral Health
We provide preventive care that is comfortable, clear, and focused on long-term oral health. Our family dentistry teams use modern technology such as digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and digital scanners to make every visit thorough and comfortable.
Both offices offer personalized treatment plans and simple guidance to help you understand your options. Whether your family needs sealants, fluoride treatments, or routine dental care, our team is here to support a healthy smile.
Insurance and Payment Options
Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry accept many dental insurance plans and can assist you in understanding your coverage. For patients without insurance, we provide clear, upfront cost estimates and flexible payment options. Ask about our Dental Membership Plan, which includes preventive care and exclusive savings with no deductibles, maximums, or waiting periods.
Schedule a Visit
Sealants play an important role in keeping teeth healthy, especially during the years when cavities are most common.
To book an appointment at Flowertown Dentistry, call (843) 871-0814 or visit us at 445 North Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483-6407.
To book an appointment at Deaton Dental Associates, call (843) 873-3706 or visit us at 209 West 5th North Street, Summerville, SC 29483.
Both offices share the same trusted ownership and commitment to gentle, personalized care for every patient.
How much should dental sealants cost?
Sealant costs vary based on how many teeth are treated and your dental insurance coverage. Many plans cover sealants for children.
How long do dental sealants last?
Most sealants last several years. Your dentist will check them during routine exams.
What are dental sealants made of?
Sealants are made from durable, tooth-colored resin material designed to bond well with enamel.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes, they are considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association. Sealants have been used for decades as part of preventive dental care.
What age is best for sealants?
Sealants are most effective when applied soon after permanent molars erupt, typically around ages six to twelve.
Who does dental sealants near me?
Both Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry provide dental sealants for children, teens, and adults in Summerville, SC.