Dental Sealants in Decatur, GA With Dr. Jocelyn Spaulding
The intricate grooves and deep depressions on the surface of the back teeth are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to thoroughly clean with a standard or electric toothbrush.
Bacteria and food love to find a home in these grooves, causing acids to form, break down the natural tooth enamel, and lead to cavities.
At Signature Smiles Studio, Dr. Jocelyn Spaulding offers dental sealants to protect these susceptible areas. Tooth sealants cover the grooves and depressions in the back molars, preventing bacteria and food particles from becoming stuck. Our sealant material is made from a type of resin applied to molars, premolars, and any other areas prone to cavities. It can last several years but must be monitored during regular cleaning appointments.
To learn how dental sealants at Signature Smiles Studio in Decatur, GA, can improve and protect the health of your teeth, contact our office to schedule your personalized oral exam with Dr. Jocelyn Spaulding today! We also proudly serve Midtown, Sagamore Hills, and in-town areas of Atlanta, GA.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventative treatment option commonly performed on children and adults worldwide. It’s important to understand what dental sealants are made of before determining if they’re right for you.
Dental sealants for children and adults are thin, protective coatings made of resin applied to the chewing surface of teeth. The sealants’ material is equipped with an adhesive that bonds to the tooth enamel, filling in the deep depressions and grooves that catch food. By coating the tooth’s surface, we can prevent plaque from accumulating, make the teeth easier to clean, and stop cavities from forming before they start.
Can Dental Sealants Be Used for Kids?
It is no secret that kids have a difficult time properly cleaning their teeth. It’s often because kids aren’t thorough enough when brushing, they forget to brush their teeth, or they just don’t prioritize the habit the way they should. For that reason, kids are more susceptible to forming cavities, especially in their molars and premolars. It is recommended by most dentists that children receive sealant between the ages of 5 to 14. As the sealant smooths the grooves within the teeth, it makes cleaning the teeth easier and more effective and protects your child’s teeth on those mornings or nights when they forget to brush.
Many parents have concerns and questions like are dental sealants necessary, do dental sealants hurt, and, most importantly, are dental sealants safe for my children. Most importantly, through clinical trials and exploration the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have deemed dental sealants safe for children.
We deeply respect your desire to protect your child’s health and safety. During your consultation, Dr. Spaulding will discuss all the information surrounding dental sealants to help you make an educated and informed decision about choosing them for your child.
What to Expect from a Dental Sealant Procedure at Signature Smiles Studio
The entire dental sealant procedure is easy and comfortable and can be completed in just a few minutes. Dr. Spaulding and her team of dental hygienists first clean and thoroughly dry the tooth to prepare it for the sealant.
Next, a small amount of sealant is applied and allowed to flow into the grooves of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Spaulding may manipulate the sealant using a small brush to ensure it has filled every groove. The application is completed by setting the sealant using a special blue light.
Dental sealants do not require downtime. With our fast-drying light, patients can eat food and drink water as soon as their application is finished. During your bi-annual cleaning, Dr. Spaulding will ensure the sealants are still effective and see if they need repairs or reapplication.
Experience Comfortable, Compassionate Dental Care
Dr. Spaulding, our Decatur dentist, and our entire team approach dental care differently. We work together to embody our shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry. This includes offering dental care in a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants in Atlanta?
Sealants provide various oral health benefits and can be extremely cost-effective for individuals with teeth that are prone to cavity formation. Dental sealants for sensitive teeth are even available to help alleviate some discomfort associated with sensitivity.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of dental sealants before determining whether they are worth it for you or your children. Some of the benefits of dental sealants include:
A Natural Look
The sealant we use at Signature Smiles Studio is white or clear, making it practically undetectable to the naked eye. It is designed to look like your teeth’s natural enamel. Additionally, the material doesn’t break down in saliva, and dental sealants for adults and children have been deemed a safe preventative treatment.A Quick, Painless Procedure
Dental sealant takes only minutes to apply. We use a small blue light to cure the resin in seconds. The entire process is comfortable and simple, and no injections or drilling of the teeth are required.Long-Lasting Protection
One concern many patients have is how long dental sealants last. Sealants can last anywhere from two to seven years, but they may last much longer. It’s important to have your sealants checked periodically which most individuals have done during their six-month cleaning and check-up appointments.Dental Sealant Controversy
Dental sealants were called into question after clinical studies detected a trace amount of BPA in the sealant material.
BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical found in most canned foods, meat products, plastic containers, personal care products, and dental resin materials. Being exposed to large amounts of BPA is a health concern as BPA was recognized as an endocrine disruptor that imitates estrogen and alters hormonal functions. Studies have found that BPA release can be attributed to the occurrence of several endocrine disorders, including infertility, hormone-dependent tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and several metabolic disorders, including obesity. While most dental sealants do not contain BPA, some compounds used in sealants have been known to release BPA when coming into contact with saliva. One way to eliminate this risk is to thoroughly cleanse and rinse the sealants once they are applied to the teeth before they can come into contact with saliva.
At Signature Smiles Studio, Dr. Jocelyn Spaulding is passionate about maintaining the safety of you and your children. She is vigilant about not only choosing holistic, bio-compatible, and BPA-free materials at her practice but also meticulously cleaning and rinsing the dental sealants, eliminating all risks of compounds that may release BPA.
How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost in Atlanta ?
The cost of dental sealants may vary depending on the practice location and dental provider. Depending on the individual’s age group, most private dental insurance will cover most, if not all, of the cost of dental sealants. During your consultation with Dr. Spaulding, our financial department will discuss the cost of dental sealants and provide you with a more accurate estimate.
Ready to Schedule Your Decatur, GA Dental Sealants Consultation at Signature Smiles Studio?
Protect the health and vibrancy of your smile with dental sealants. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Jocelyn Spaulding, simply contact our Decatur, GA office, and a member of our patient care team will gladly help. We look forward to helping you keep your smile bright and beautiful.
Learn about your options for dental sealants near me by contacting our office today or calling (404) 634-5738.
