Protecting your teeth from decay is essential for maintaining long-term oral health, and dental sealants offer one of the most effective preventive measures available today. Dental sealants provide a protective barrier that shields the vulnerable grooves and pits of your teeth from harmful bacteria and acids that cause cavities. At Dental Group of Chicago, we provide professional dental sealant application to help patients of all ages preserve their natural teeth and avoid more extensive dental treatments down the road.
Located in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, we offer comprehensive preventive care services under the expert guidance of Dr. Alexander Reznikov. Our team understands the unique challenges Chicago residents face when maintaining optimal oral health, and we’re committed to providing personalized preventive solutions like dental sealants to keep your smile healthy for years to come.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from dental-grade plastic that are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These back teeth contain deep grooves and depressions where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped, even with regular brushing and flossing. The sealant material flows into these hard-to-clean areas, creating a smooth surface that prevents decay-causing substances from settling in.
The application process is quick, painless, and completely non-invasive. First, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, a mild etching solution is applied to help the sealant bond properly to the tooth surface. Finally, the liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a special curing light. The entire procedure takes just minutes per tooth, with no drilling or removal of tooth structure required.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide exceptional protection against tooth decay, particularly in areas most vulnerable to cavity formation. Research shows that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80% in the first year after application. This preventive measure creates a physical barrier that blocks out plaque and food particles that would otherwise accumulate in the deep grooves of your teeth.
Beyond cavity prevention, dental sealants offer significant long-term financial benefits. The cost of applying sealants is substantially less than treating cavities with fillings, crowns, or other restorative procedures. Investing in this preventive treatment avoids potentially painful dental issues while saving money on future dental work. At Dental Group of Chicago, we believe preventive care like sealants represents the most cost-effective approach to maintaining optimal oral health throughout your lifetime.
Sealants for Children and Adults
While dental sealants are commonly associated with pediatric dentistry, they’re beneficial for patients of all ages. Sealants are typically recommended for children as soon as permanent molars emerge, usually around ages 6 and 12. These vulnerable years, when new teeth erupt, present the highest risk for cavity development, making early protection essential.
Dental sealants remain a valuable preventive option for adults, especially those with deeper tooth grooves or a history of tooth decay. Adult patients with healthy molars without existing fillings can benefit significantly from sealant application. The team at Dental Group of Chicago evaluates each patient individually to determine if sealants would provide meaningful protection based on your oral health needs and risk factors.
Durability and Maintenance
Modern dental sealants are designed to withstand the rigors of daily chewing and can last for several years with proper care. During your regular dental check-ups at Dental Group of Chicago, our team will evaluate your existing sealants to ensure they remain intact and functional. If we notice any wear or partial loss, we can quickly reapply the sealant material to maintain continuous protection.
Maintaining sealants requires no special care beyond your regular oral hygiene routine. Simply continue brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and attending your scheduled dental cleanings and exams. Our dental hygienists will provide personalized guidance on the most effective brushing techniques to protect both your sealed and unsealed tooth surfaces from decay.
Professional Sealant Application Process
At Dental Group of Chicago, our sealant application process follows the highest professional standards to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity. The procedure begins with a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or food debris from the tooth surface. This preparatory step ensures proper sealant adhesion and prevents decay from being sealed under the protective coating.
Each tooth receiving a sealant is carefully isolated and dried to create the optimal environment for application. Our dentists then apply an etching solution that microscopically roughens the tooth surface, creating a stronger bond with the sealant material. After rinsing and drying again, the liquid sealant is precisely applied to the grooves and fissures of the tooth. A specialized curing light activates the hardening process, transforming the liquid into a durable plastic shield within seconds.
When to Consider Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended in these situations:
- For children, when their permanent molars first erupt (typically around ages 6-7 for first molars and 11-13 for second molars).
- Teenagers and adults with deep grooves in their molars who have not yet developed decay in these teeth can benefit from dental sealants.
- As part of a comprehensive preventive strategy for patients at higher risk of tooth decay due to medical conditions, medication use, or dietary factors.
- After a professional evaluation reveals tooth anatomy that makes certain teeth particularly susceptible to decay despite good home care.
By identifying the right candidates for sealants early, we can prevent cavities from forming in vulnerable teeth and help you avoid more extensive dental treatments down the road.
Get Professional Dental Sealants in Chicago Today
Protect your family’s smiles with dental sealants from Dental Group of Chicago. Our South Loop practice combines modern preventive techniques with personalized care to help you maintain optimal oral health with minimal intervention. Dr. Reznikov, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Akkash bring extensive experience in preventive dentistry to every patient interaction, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective care for your specific needs.
Don’t wait until decay develops to take action. Contact Dental Group of Chicago today at (312) 588-0043 or through our contact form to schedule your appointment and learn more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth for years to come. With evening and weekend appointments available at our convenient Michigan Avenue location, we make prioritizing your preventive dental care easy.
