A healthy smile is the key to confidence and well-being. At Fox View Dental, we’re committed to helping you maintain that smile with advanced preventive treatments like dental sealants. De Pere dentist Dr. Chad Yenchesky and our team offer this simple yet effective solution to protect your teeth from decay.
Ready to fortify your smile? Call Fox View Dental in De Pere at (920) 336-4201 to schedule your appointment today!
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the surfaces of teeth, specifically the molars and premolars, to prevent tooth decay. They’re usually made from a plastic or resin material and are used as a preventive measure.
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have many pits and fissures where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. They can be harder to reach when brushing and flossing. By sealing off the deep grooves that are hard to clean, sealants create a smooth surface less likely to trap food and bacteria.
While particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, adults with cavity-prone teeth can also benefit from this preventive treatment. Dental sealants are a simple, painless procedure that can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.
Different Types of Dental Sealants
Resin-Based Sealants
One of the most widely used forms of dental sealant is resin-based. Composite resin sealants are composed of a liquid resin material that is administered to the teeth and then solidified using a special curing light. At Fox View Dental, we employ top-notch, tooth-colored resin-based sealants, rendering them nearly invisible.
Glass Ionomer Sealants
Glass ionomer sealants are composed of acrylic and glass powders that create a hardened material on the surface of the teeth. These sealants are tooth-colored and gradually release fluoride, thereby enhancing tooth strength and offering extra defense against cavities.
Compomer Sealants
Compomer sealants are a blend of composite resin and glass ionomer materials, combining the advantages of both. This includes aesthetic appeal, fluoride release, and durability. Dr. Yenchesky might suggest compomer sealants when prioritizing both aesthetics and long-term protection in certain cases.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
There are various benefits to getting dental sealants at Fox View Dental, including:
Cavity Prevention: Sealants create a protective barrier on molars and premolars to prevent food particles and bacteria from causing cavities.
Cost-Effective: Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and avoid the expenses of fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Pain-Free: Sealant application is painless and non-invasive.
Long-Lasting Protection: Dental sealants can last for several years and provide continuous protection against tooth decay, which is particularly beneficial during childhood and adolescence when the risk of cavities is highest.
Improved Oral Hygiene: Sealants create a smoother surface on the teeth, making it easier to clean through regular brushing and promoting better oral hygiene while reducing the likelihood of plaque buildup.
Prevention of Dental Anxiety: Children, especially, might feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Dental sealants can reduce the need for more invasive treatments, helping to ease fear and make dental appointments more comfortable for young patients.
Quick Application: Applying dental sealants is quick and can often be done in a single dental visit, making it convenient for patients and professionals.
Dental Sealant Process at Fox View Dental
At Fox View Dental, Dr. Yenchesky and our team follow a meticulous process to ensure the best results:
Cleaning: We thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any plaque or debris.
Drying: The teeth are dried completely for proper bonding.
Isolation: We isolate the teeth to keep them dry during the procedure.
Etching: A special solution is applied to slightly roughen the tooth surface, improving sealant adhesion.
Rinsing and Drying: The etching solution is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.
Sealant Application: Dr. Yenchesky carefully applies the sealant material to the grooves of the teeth.
Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant.
Evaluation: We check the sealant for proper coverage and make any necessary adjustments.
Bite Check: Your bite is checked for comfort and proper alignment.
Can You Get Dental Sealants?
At Fox View Dental, we may recommend dental sealants to:
Children and Teenagers: As their permanent molars and premolars come in.
Adults with Deep Fissures: Those who have deep pits and fissures in their molars and premolars.
Individuals at High Risk of Cavities: People with a history of tooth decay or poor oral hygiene habits.
Individuals With Orthodontic Appliances: Patients with braces who may find it challenging to clean around brackets and wires.
Special Needs Patients: Individuals who may have difficulty maintaining optimal oral hygiene.
Patients With Dental Anxiety: To help reduce the need for more invasive dental treatments.
To find out if you qualify for dental sealants, contact our De Pere dental office today by calling (920) 336-4201.
Why Choose Fox View Dental for Dental Sealants?
At Fox View Dental in De Pere, WI, we take pride in providing exceptional dental care with a focus on our patients’ well-being. Here’s why you can trust us for your dental sealant needs:
Experienced Dentist: Dr. Chad has extensive experience administering dental sealants in Green Bay, ensuring a comfortable, efficient procedure.
State-of-the-Art Equipment: We invest in advanced dental technology to deliver the highest quality care, making your visit smooth and stress-free.
Patient-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction and well-being are our top priorities. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor our treatments to meet your needs.
Comfortable Environment: We designed our dental office in Green Bay to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making you feel at ease throughout your visit.
Comprehensive Dental Services: Besides dental sealants, we offer a wide range of preventive dental services, ensuring we can meet all oral health needs under one roof.
Costs of Dental Sealants
At Fox View Dental, we strive to make dental sealants affordable for our patients. The cost typically ranges from $30 to $60 per tooth, depending on factors such as the number of teeth being sealed and your insurance coverage. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options through Lending Club to help make this preventive treatment accessible to all our patients.
For a personalized estimate, please contact our De Pere office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children as they protect newly erupted permanent molars from the start. New molars tend to have deeper fissures and pits. Along with children’s undeveloped oral health habits, these pits are more susceptible to trapping food and causing cavities. Sealants help children keep food and plaque out of these pits, reducing their chances of developing cavities.
With proper care, dental sealants can last for five to 10 years or more. It’s important to get regular dental checkups and cleanings to examine the status of your dental sealants. Your dentist can reapply them down the road if necessary.
Dental sealants don’t demand any specific care. Regular dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing are sufficient. You should also visit your dentist for routine checkups to ensure your sealants are intact and continue to protect your teeth.
The procedure typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes per tooth. It’s a quick and painless process, often completed during a routine oral health checkup and cleaning at your primary care dentist’s office.
Take Charge of Your Dental Health
Dental sealants play a crucial role in preventive dental care. By safeguarding the natural tooth structure, dental sealants contribute to oral health and aid in maintaining an attractive and radiant smile.
Contact our Green Bay area family dentists today to schedule an appointment for dental sealants. Call us at (920) 336-4201 to get started on the path to better oral health.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Chad Yenchesky
Dr. Chad is no ordinary dentist.
He’s an extraordinary dentist!
As the owner of Fox View Dental, Dr. Chad Yenchesky—or Dr. Chad, as he is more commonly known—brings the best in digital dentistry to Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin.
Known for his passionate pursuit of implant, restorative, cosmetic and sedation dentistry, loved for his fun and colorful personality, and respected for his active leadership in the national dental continuing education community, Dr. Chad brings a refreshing blend of knowledge and charisma to the chair. Patients especially appreciate his down-to-earth demeanor, relentless …