Dental Sealant (Protective Dental Sealant) - Los Alamitos, CA*

If patients are especially susceptible to cavities or are seeking an added level of protection from plaque, bacteria, and tartar that forms on their back row of teeth, then dental sealants can be an effective option. Our Beachwood Dental team is able to seal the molars and premolars with a thin, plastic substance that acts as a barrier for the chewing layer of teeth, preventing food and plaque to get stuck on the hard-to-reach places of the back teeth. As a result, since bacteria is less-likely to form, patients greatly reduce their risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Sealants are smooth and undetectable, allowing our Los Alamitos, CA patients to have effortless protection to ensure their teeth are healthy and secure. 

Getting sealants is a fast, easy process that can usually be done without any anesthesia or sedation. Before the sealants are applied, the patient's teeth will be cleaned and polished to prevent plaque, tartar, and bacteria from being sealed into the tooth. Next, the tooth will be gently etched where the sealant will be placed, then rinsed and dried. Once the tooth is prepped, clean, and dry, our dentist will brush on the dental sealant and use a special light for about 30 seconds to set the sealant. After all the sealant has been applied and cured, our dentist will check the sealant to ensure the patient has full coverage and the sealant is hardened.

With proper care, including good home oral care and regular check ups at with our dentist, sealants can last up to 10 years. Our dentist will check the integrity and wear of the sealants at every dental exam and let the patient know when it is time for the sealants to be re-applied. Patients should continue to brush their teeth at least twice a day, as well as protect the sealants by avoiding stress on the teeth (grinding the teeth, using the teeth to open packages, etc). While sealants are best for young children and teenagers, some adults may continue to get sealants if they are prone to cavities.

Children, teenagers, and adults can all benefit from the protection of dental sealants on their back teeth with a fast, easy procedure. To avoid cavities and tooth decay, dental sealants can be a great option for patients who want better dental exams. Although they can't be seen or felt, dental sealants combined with home oral care can give you a better, healthier smile. We invite you to schedule a consult at our Los Alamitos, CA office today to learn more about how you can improve your dental health.