General Dentistry

Dental Sealants

Do you want to protect your teeth from bacteria that could cause cavities? You could benefit from dental sealants in Lompoc, CA. We provide dental sealants to patients to help protect their teeth and prevent dental problems like tooth decay, cavities and more. Dental sealants are a long-lasting solution to the many oral hygiene problems that people experience.

A dental sealant is a plastic covering that’s painted on the back teeth. Once the sealant has dried on the surface of the tooth, it creates a long-term coating that shields the tooth from food particles, bacteria and more.

Dental sealants can be applied to anyone who has weak teeth or who is at risk for dental decay. Sealants are most often applied to the molars of children, as children often experience cavities, but adults can take advantage of them too. If you would like to know whether you should have dental sealants, talk to your dentist in Lompoc, CA. We can help you decide whether sealants are right for you.

Dental sealants can last for many years. Once applied, sealants can provide strong protection from cavities for at least four years. Once this time has passed, your dentist may recommend applying a new coating to your teeth.

Do Sealants Provide 100% Protection?
Sealants do not provide 100% protection. They provide 80% protection for two years, and 50% protection for four years. In addition, dental sealants are not applied to all teeth in the mouth. Even with sealants on your teeth, you must continue to brush your teeth regularly.

Even with sealants on your teeth, you should continue to:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time
  • Floss once daily
  • See the dentist twice per year, or as often as recommended by the dentist