Dental Sealants In Kinston, NC
Carlyle Dental offers dental sealants for residents living in Kinston, Goldsboro, Greenville and the surrounding areas of North Carolina.
Dental sealants are clear plastic coatings placed over the surface of teeth to protect them from decay. The most common locations for dental sealants are the chewing surfaces on the permanent back teeth, called molars and premolars. These surfaces have grooves and deep, narrow fissures that can be difficult to clean, as toothbrush bristles cannot reach them. Plaque accumulates in these fissures, and the bacteria attack the enamel, creating cavities. Dental sealants create a smooth surface to cover the fissured area, as well as to protect it from further decay.
Who Can Use Dental Sealants?
Tooth decay can begin early, so children in Kinston, NC and Greenville, NC are primary candidates for dental sealants. They are most commonly used for adults, however. Although baby teeth with deep grooves can be protected with dental sealants, they are most beneficial if applied as soon as the first permanent molars grow in (usually between the ages of five and seven), and again when the second permanent molars erupt (ages 11 to 14). As soon as the first permanent molar has pushed completely through the gum, and as each new molar erupts behind the baby teeth, dental sealant is applied to protect chewing surfaces. Sealants may be used on other permanent teeth, as well.
To apply dental sealants, the tooth’s surface is thoroughly cleaned with a rotating brush, then rinsed and dried. An acidic solution is briefly placed on the fissured area of the chewing surface and is then rinsed off, creating microscopic rough spots that enable bonding. Once the tooth is adequately dry, the liquid sealant is then applied. Some sealants are hardened with a special light, while others use a two-component material that sets without a light. The sealant hardens into a solid coat of plastic varnish that protects the teeth while you chew.
Have Questions About Sealants?
Carlyle Dental offers sealants in Kinston, NC and Greenville, NC, which provide a durable and long lasting way to protect tooth surfaces and prevent decay. The state of your dental sealants will be assessed during your regular visits with us, and will be reapplied if necessary. Preventative dental maintenance involves regular brushing and cleaning, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist, and sealants can be an effective way to provide additional support to your oral health program.
How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost in Kinston, NC?
The cost for dental sealants varies and depends on the extent of treatment necessary. We accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, and personal checks. Insurance is accepted, and we also have financing available through CareCredit® and Compassionate Healthcare Services®.