There is no substitute for the cavity-fighting effectiveness of good oral hygiene – brushing twice a day after eating and flossing once a day. These habits should be instilled early in children, and continued throughout life. Our team at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL provides additional assistance in preventing tooth decay, including sealants.
Sealants – safe and effective
A dental sealant is a colorless resin composite applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars & pre-molars. It flows into tiny pits and crevices to keep food debris, bacteria, and plaque out. A sealant reduces the risk of cavities by up to 80 percent, and can even stop early-stage cavities from progressing to the point that fillings are needed. Ideally, a sealant is applied as soon as the tooth erupts. There are no known side effects of dental sealants, and the risk of allergy is rare.
Easy four-step procedure
Dental sealant treatment is painless (no anesthetic is needed). It takes only a few minutes and lasts several years.
- The tooth is cleaned and dried, then treated with a gel that roughens the surface slightly to promote a strong bond.
- After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed and the tooth is dried again.
- The hygienist brushes or drops liquid sealant onto the tooth, making sure it gets into the grooves.
- Sealant is hardened with a special light.
The cost of a single filling can easily exceed the expense of dental sealants, and some insurance plans cover treatment. Call our Bloomington, IL office at (309) 663-4711 to get you or your child started on a cavity protection plan.
Eastland Dental Center
Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.
Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.
Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.