Dental Sealants
Arlington VA

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Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are an incredibly thin plastic coating that we brush onto the chewing surfaces of your molars or back teeth. We do so to add an additional protection and prevent tooth decay.

We understand that you do your best to brush and floss daily, but sometimes the effort is just not enough to completely clean all the surfaces of the teeth, especially the nooks, crannies and fissures on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These hard-to-clean, rough biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth are the ideal spaces for food particles to get stuck and produce bad bacteria.  This can lead to plaque and tartar deposits, and ultimately, the development of teeth cavities.

Cherrydale Family Dental believes that prevention is always better than treatment. Therefore, we use dental sealants to prevent cavities and decay, especially in the molar and premolar teeth that have deeper grooves and fissures.

The team at Cherrydale Family Dental have created a true family orientated environment working with every member of the family, from infant to teenager to mom and dad to grandparents. Patience is a virtue exercised with all ages. Everyone on our staff believes this. We enjoy watching a patient grow and mature with a healthy smile. If you have any questions at all regarding dental sealants, simply call Cherrydale Family Dental at 703-243-8288. You can find us at 4399 Old Dominion Drive, Arlington, VA, 22312.

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Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?

At Cherrydale Family Dental, we recommend dental sealants for:

  • Children – Dental sealants are most commonly used for children above six years of age, who have permanent molar and premolar teeth.
  • Adults – Occasionally, we may recommend dental sealants for adults who are at a higher risk of developing cavities and decay.
  • Baby Teeth – in some cases, where there are very deep grooves on the primary molar teeth, our dentists may recommend dental sealants.

Why are they used?

The tiniest of food particles can easily become trapped inside the deep ridges on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Try as you might these areas can be incredibly difficult to clean. Especially dealing with an impatient youngster. At Cherrydale Family Dental we can help prevent food and plaque buildup by sealing these ridges. By eliminating the areas for food to become trapped, the risk for cavities is decreased.

What is the Dental Sealants Process?

Application of dental sealants is a totally pain-free, quick, and simply a straightforward procedure.  First our staff will clean your back (molar and premolar) teeth very well, and then we place an acidic gel on those biting surfaces. This acidic gel creates small, microscopic pores that will enhance the bonding of the dental sealant gel onto the tooth’s surface. After only a few seconds, we will wash away the gel and then thoroughly dry the teeth.  Finally, we will apply the sealants, by just brushing it, on the grooves of the back teeth and then hardening the sealant by using a special blue light.

Do Children Mind Getting Dental Sealants?

For the most part the answer is no. The process is so easy, quite fast, and not uncomfortable. There is no high- speed drilling or any invasive preparation and the sealant itself does not cause any irritation or smell funny. It is such an easy way to prevent cavities for active youngsters that like their sugary drinks.

Can You Feel the Dental Sealant on Your Teeth?

We have found that our patients cannot even notice the sealant has been applied. They certainly cannot see the sealant because it is completely clear. If you run your tongue across your teeth, you may be able to feel a slight difference because they are smoother, but there is no discomfort in any way. In fact, your teeth may feel as they do after you have them cleaned at your six-month check-up.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sometimes adults who exercise good habits by brushing and flossing twice a day, visiting us twice a year, and maintain healthy diets still run into problems with gum disease. When we detect gum disease in one or more areas of the mouth at a check-up, we will recommend a more thorough cleaning. This process involves cleaning the teeth below the gum line with special tools. This is also referred to as a scaling and root planing and it removes tartar buildup, debris, and bacteria from below the gums which is causing the inflammation of the gum. If the gum inflammation and infection, or gingivitis, is not addressed it can progress quickly and lead to more serious stages of gum disease which include tooth and bone loss.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Having dental sealants applied can cost around $40 to $90 per tooth. There are a few factors going into this variance. Your actual cost will be determined by the number of teeth done, the severity of the condition of the teeth, the materials used, the age of the patient and the insurance coverage applied based on your dental plan.

Our staff can help you contact your dental insurance company to understand your coverage options. We do offer Care Credit, so speaking with our financial coordinator to assess your options is another helpful step to restoring your healthy smile within your financial means.

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Quality Dental Care for ALL Family Members

At Cherrydale Family Dental, 4399 Old Dominion Dr., Arlington, VA, we work hard to develop trusting and long-lasting relationships with patients of all ages. We embrace each patient and welcome them to our family. We want to contribute to helping you maintain good oral health habits and practices. We always look forward to seeing you and discussing what is best for you and your smile. Please contact us at 703-243-8288 to discuss the benefits of dental sealants, for yourself or youngster, and how it can contribute your quality of life.

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMILE TODAY?

Modern dentistry techniques, affordable prices and financial options make it easier than ever for you to have a bright and healthy smile. We are currently accepting new patients and we would love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Call us at (703) 243-8288 to book an appointment OR easily using the button below.