Protect Your Teeth with Dental Sealants in Westbury, NY
Dental sealants help protect your teeth and maintain your bright, healthy smile. They guard the teeth from bacteria that cause cavities and decay. The best place to get high-quality tooth sealants in Westbury, NY, is Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC. Read on to learn how sealants can save your teeth from harm.
What are Dental Sealants?
A sealant is a thin coating of a protective substance called a dental sealant that is put on the chewing surfaces of teeth. It serves as a barrier to protect your back teeth from cavity-causing bacteria and keep them healthy.
When you chew, your back teeth’ deep grooves help break up food. However, because they are challenging to access and clean, food particles and bacteria in these grooves can eventually lead to tooth decay and cavities. Sealants stop this from happening.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
Tooth sealants can benefit children, teens, and adults with healthy back teeth for long-lasting cavity prevention. However, they are most recommended for children with newly erupted permanent back teeth. This helps protect their teeth from cavities, which are most common between the ages of 6 and 14.
But regardless of your age, you can get the following benefits from tooth sealants in Westbury, NY:
- Reliable and long-lasting – Tooth sealants can last long if properly maintained and reapplied every few years.
- Save money – Sealants help you avoid future, more costly dental procedures by preventing cavities and deterioration in your teeth.
- Quick and painless – The sealant process is rapid and painless, requiring only a few minutes thus anesthetic is not necessary.
- Cavity prevention – Sealants’ main advantage is that they shield molars and premolars from bacteria that can cause cavities and decay, resulting in pain, the need for fillings, and even tooth loss.
What Happens During a Sealant Treatment?
A dental sealant treatment can be done along with routine checkups and cleaning. The typical steps in the treatment process are as follows:
- An etching material, either liquid or gel, will be applied to slightly roughen the tooth surface.
- The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, cotton rolls are wrapped around it to keep it dry.
- The dental sealant is applied to the tooth’s surface using a specialized brush.
- We’ll give the sealant time to solidify. A curing light will be used to quicken the procedure.
- After you rinse your mouth, a final inspection will ensure the entire tooth is covered with the sealant.
Prevent Cavities with a Simple, Effective Solution Near You
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, offers long-lasting dental sealants in Westbury, NY. Getting a sealant may very well prevent harm from your brilliant smile. Visit our dental office to learn more about this cavity-prevention treatment.
Do you have any problems with your teeth? Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC can help you regain your healthy, confident smile. Contact us today for personalized dental care to enhance your oral health and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Sealants
How long do dental sealants last, and how do I know when they need replacing?
Sealants often last up to nine or ten years with good care, though they can chip or wear sooner. You don’t have to track this yourself, your dentist checks their condition at your regular checkups and simply reapplies any that have worn away. Keeping up with routine visits is the easiest way to keep sealants working. Book a checkup on our dental cleanings page.
Are dental sealants safe? I've heard they contain BPA.
Sealants are considered safe and are recommended by the ADA and CDC. Any BPA exposure from a sealant is extremely small, far less than what you’d encounter from everyday sources like food or air, and occurs only briefly right after placement. The proven cavity-prevention benefit far outweighs this minimal risk. Learn how sealants fit into preventive care on our general dentistry page.
What's the difference between dental sealants and fluoride treatment?
They protect teeth in different, complementary ways. Sealants are a physical barrier that shields the deep grooves of back teeth where cavities usually start. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel across the whole mouth, making it more resistant to decay. Dentists often use both together for the best protection, and both can be done at a routine visit. Learn more on our fluoride treatment page.
Can sealants be placed over a tooth that already has a small cavity?
Sealants are meant for healthy teeth, not decayed ones, they can’t fix an existing cavity. In some very early cases a dentist may seal a tiny spot of beginning decay to slow it, but an established cavity needs a filling instead. Your dentist will examine the tooth and recommend the right option. Learn about repairs on our tooth-colored fillings page.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No, sealants are an extra layer of protection, not a substitute for daily care. They guard the grooves of back teeth, but brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular cleanings are still essential for the surfaces sealants don’t cover and for healthy gums. Think of sealants as a helpful supplement to good habits. Keep up with professional cleanings via our dental cleanings page.
Are dental sealants covered by insurance, especially for children?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children as a preventive benefit, though coverage for adults varies by plan. If you don’t have insurance, the practice offers an in-house membership, the Dental VIP Club, with no co-pays, deductibles, or premiums, to make preventive care more accessible. The front desk can review your options. See details on our Dental VIP Club page.
Will my child feel anything or need numbing sealants?
No, placing a sealant is quick and painless, so no needles or numbing are needed. The tooth is simply cleaned, prepped, painted with the sealant, and hardened with a light. Most kids find it easy, and it’s a great way to help them feel comfortable at the dentist. Learn about our approach to younger patients on our pediatric dental care page.
Can adults benefit from dental sealants, or are they just for kids?
Adults can benefit too. While sealants are most often placed on children’s newly erupted molars, any adult with healthy back teeth and deep grooves, and no existing decay or fillings there, can get them for added cavity protection. Your dentist can check whether your molars are good candidates. Learn how sealants fit into overall care on our general dentistry page.
Where can I get dental sealants in Westbury, NY?
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC offers dental sealants in Westbury, NY, for children, teens, and adults, with new patients welcome. Sealants can be placed during a routine checkup in just a few minutes. You can reach the office at 330 Winthrop St, #1, Westbury, NY 11590, or call (516) 518-9835. Request a visit through our contact page or get directions on our location page.
