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 experienced dental 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.
Give Your Teeth That Extra Barrier or Protection
Take a proactive step in protecting your teeth with dental sealants at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL.
Call (309) 663-4711 today to schedule your visit and help prevent cavities before they start with a simple, effective treatment designed for long-term oral health.
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.
Dental Sealants FAQs
What exactly do dental sealants do for your teeth?
Dental sealants act as a protective shield placed over the biting surfaces of back teeth, where small crevices tend to trap food and bacteria. These areas are difficult to clean thoroughly with brushing alone. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, sealants help keep those vulnerable spots covered, making it harder for decay to develop and supporting better long-term protection for molars.
At what age are dental sealants usually recommended?
Sealants are often suggested when permanent molars first appear, which typically happens in childhood and early adolescence. However, they can also be beneficial for adults who have teeth with deep grooves or a history of cavities. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, recommendations are based on each patient’s needs, ensuring sealants are used when they can provide the most benefit.
How much protection do dental sealants really provide?
Sealants offer a strong layer of defense against decay in areas where cavities commonly begin. By covering the natural texture of molars, they reduce the chance for harmful buildup to settle. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, sealants are part of a preventive approach that can significantly decrease the likelihood of needing restorative treatment for those specific tooth surfaces.
What is the process like when sealants are placed?
Placing sealants is simple and does not require drilling or numbing. The tooth is prepared so the material can adhere properly, then the protective coating is applied and hardened with a curing light. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, the entire process is quick and comfortable, making it especially convenient for younger patients or those looking for preventive care.
How long can I expect dental sealants to last?
Sealants are designed to remain in place for several years, though their longevity can vary depending on habits and wear. They are checked during routine dental visits and can be reapplied if needed. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, ongoing monitoring ensures that your sealants continue providing effective coverage against decay for as long as possible.
Are dental sealants considered a safe preventive option?
Dental sealants have been widely used for many years and are regarded as a safe way to help protect teeth. The materials are specifically developed for use in the mouth, and complications are uncommon. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, sealants are offered as a reliable preventive measure to support healthier teeth without adding complexity to your care.
Can sealants reduce the need for future dental work?
By protecting the most cavity-prone areas of your teeth, sealants can help lower the chances of needing fillings later on. Preventive care often reduces both time and cost associated with treatment. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, sealants are part of a proactive strategy aimed at preserving natural tooth structure and minimizing the need for more involved procedures.
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.
