Dental sealants

Dental Sealants

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy & Strong

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and rinsing your mouth are all great ways to keep your teeth healthy, but sometimes bacteria still gets into the small grooves of your teeth. If that happens, tooth decay can develop and cause cavities. At Lansdowne Dentistry by Design, we proudly offer dental sealants for our patients of all ages to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy. Dental sealants are a great form of protection against cavities and tooth decay and can be quickly applied during your routine teeth cleaning. Learn more about dental sealants provided here at Lansdowne Dentistry by Design by reading below!

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth and act as a barrier against bacteria and plaque. Everyone has grooves in their back teeth that help you chew the food you eat. However, food can get stuck in these grooves and lead to cavities over time. The good news is that sealants help prevent bacteria from reaching these nooks and crannies!

This safe, effective preventative treatment method is commonly used for children, but may also be used for adults, too! Here are some instances where you may benefit from dental sealants:

  • A history of smoking
  • Previous tooth decay
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Dry mouth
  • Those who are more susceptible to cavities

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

There is nothing you need to do to prepare for dental sealants, and you can even make that decision during your appointment with us at our Lansdowne office. Our team of skilled dental hygienists are able to place them during your regular cleaning and checkup. This involves:

  • A thorough cleaning of your teeth. This is to ensure that bacteria doesn’t become stuck between the sealant material and the enamel.
  • The teeth are dried and prepped for the preventative materials.
  • Our team will paint the material on each tooth and ensure it is securely bonded.
  • The last step is using a special light to make sure the material hardens on the teeth.

It usually only takes a few minutes and will last for years after! Once you leave our office, you can continue eating and drinking normally. We just recommend that you or your child doesn’t chew anything hard or sticky during the first hour.

Man crossing arms and smiling indoors

Benefits Of Dental Sealants

Prevention is crucial in maintaining optimal oral health in people of all ages, but it is especially important for children who are still learning to develop oral hygiene practices. In fact, sealants could help prevent more than three million cavities every year, according to the CDC. Other key advantages of sealants include:

While consistent oral hygiene methods assist in removing harmful bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums, it can’t always get to those hard to reach areas. Sealants act as a shield for those vulnerable places in the mouth.

The mouth is a gateway to your overall health and well-being. By sealing out those areas where bacteria and plaque tend to stick, you are improving your oral health and overall wellness.

We take pride in performing this preventative treatment quickly and efficiently so it doesn’t take too much of your time and you can return to work or your normal activities quickly.

If properly cared for, dental sealants can last for about five years!

Protect Your Teeth For Years

At Lansdowne Dentistry by Design, we take the time to educate our patients about the importance of oral health and the steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and cavities. We believe dental sealants can make all the difference in improving yours and your child’s oral health. Ask us about this preventative treatment method at your next appointment and contact us today to schedule your routine visit at our office in Lansdowne, VA!

Smiling couple perfect teeth dental patient

Honest Dentistry,
Beautiful Smile Results

For over 30 years, Lansdowne Dentistry by Design has delivered expert, personalized dental care to the Northern Virginia community. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, every service is tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs in a warm, welcoming environment. We have a compassionate team and a commitment to stress-free care, and treat every patient like family—empowering them to smile with confidence.