818 Pine-A Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
What Are Dental Sealants
Even the most diligent brusher can't fully clean every surface of every tooth. The back teeth, molars and premolars have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces that are too narrow for a single toothbrush bristle to reach. Plaque accumulates in these crevices naturally, and over time that buildup leads to cavities, regardless of how well someone maintains their oral hygiene at home.
Dental sealants solve this problem simply and effectively. A thin, plastic coating is brushed directly onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, flowing into those narrow grooves and hardening to form a smooth, protective barrier. That barrier seals out food particles and bacteria, making it far more difficult for decay to take hold. At Mast Dental in Wilmington, NC, we recommend sealants as a straightforward and highly effective part of a comprehensive preventive care plan.
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Are Dental Sealants Right for You?
Sealants are commonly associated with children's dentistry, but they're a smart preventive option for adults, too. The deep grooves and pits in back teeth are just as difficult to clean in a 40-year-old as they are in a 10-year-old. Anyone with back teeth that are free of existing decay or restorations is a potential candidate.
For Children and Teens
The ideal window is shortly after the permanent molars come in, around ages 6 and 12. Applying sealants at this stage gives newly erupted teeth maximum protection during the years when cavities are most likely to develop. For parents looking to reduce their child's risk of cavities without invasive treatment, sealants are one of the most effective tools available.
For Adults
Adults with deep grooves in their back teeth, a history of cavities, or difficulty keeping certain teeth clean with brushing and flossing alone can benefit significantly from sealants. If your back teeth have never had fillings or decay, you're an ideal candidate — and there's no age cutoff for protecting healthy tooth structure.
Dr. Mast will evaluate your teeth at your regular checkup and let you know whether sealants make sense for your specific situation.
The Sealant Application Process at Mast Dental
Getting dental sealants is one of the quickest and most comfortable procedures we offer. Here's what to expect:
Cleaning
Preparation
Rinsing and Drying
Application
Ready to Resume Your Day
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Protection Against Decay
Sealants effectively seal off the grooves and crevices of the back teeth — the areas most vulnerable to cavity formation, significantly reducing the risk of decay in these hard-to-clean surfaces.
Reduced Need for Future Treatment
Every cavity prevented is a filling, root canal, or crown avoided. Sealants are a proactive step that can save patients from far more extensive and expensive dental treatment down the road.
Quick and Completely Painless
The application process is fast, non-invasive, and requires no drilling or anesthesia. Most patients barely notice it's happening. The entire procedure typically takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Long-Lasting Protection
With proper care, dental sealants can protect teeth for up to ten years. We check the condition of existing sealants at every routine visit and reapply them as needed.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Sealants are among the most affordable preventive treatments in dentistry and the return on investment compared to the cost of treating cavities is significant.
Dental Sealants Near You in Wilmington, NC
Mast Dental is located at 818-A Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington, NC, serving families throughout Wilmington, Ogden, Porters Neck, Masonboro, Monkey Junction, and the surrounding area. Early morning appointments are available starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday.
Sealants are a simple, affordable way to protect your child's smile for years to come. Call us at (910) 397-9277 or request an appointment online to find out if sealants are the right next step.
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