Preventive Protection
Dental Sealants in North Conway, NH
A simple shield for hard-to-clean grooves that helps prevent cavities before they start.
Molars have deep pits and grooves where food and bacteria can hide, even with good brushing. Dental sealants add a thin, protective coating to help block decay in these vulnerable areas. At White Mountain Dental, sealants are quick, comfortable, and a smart step for many families in North Conway, NH.
Crafting Beautiful Smiles With Percision And Care
Dental Sealants at White Mountain Dental
Dental sealants are a clear or tooth-colored coating placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we recommend sealants when the grooves of molars are at higher risk for decay—especially for children and teens, and sometimes for adults too.
How Sealants Help
Even a careful brush can miss the narrow crevices of molars. Sealants create a smooth barrier that makes these areas easier to keep clean and less likely to trap plaque. They’re a preventive option that can reduce the need for fillings down the road.
- Helps prevent cavities Seals out food and bacteria from deep grooves where decay often begins.
- Quick and comfortable No drilling, no numbing for most patients—just a simple protective coating.
- Long-lasting protection With regular checkups, sealants can protect for years and are easy to touch up if needed.
- Supports healthy habits Works alongside brushing, flossing, and fluoride as part of a strong prevention plan.
What to Expect During Placement
We start by cleaning and drying the tooth. A gentle conditioning step helps the sealant bond, then we place the coating and harden it. Once set, we check the bite and make sure the surface feels smooth. The entire process is typically fast, and you can usually eat and drink normally right after your visit.
Who Should Consider Sealants?
Sealants are commonly recommended for kids and teens as soon as permanent molars come in. Adults may also benefit if their molars have deep grooves, early enamel changes, or a history of cavities. If you’re unsure whether sealants make sense for you or your child, contact White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH—we’ll review risk factors and help you choose the most protective next step.
Dental Sealants FAQ
- What are dental sealants?
- Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities by sealing out food and bacteria.
- Are sealants only for children?
- No. While sealants are very common for kids and teens, adults can benefit too—especially if molars have deep grooves, early enamel weakening, or a higher cavity risk.
- Do sealants hurt?
- Sealants are typically painless. In most cases, there’s no drilling and no numbing. You’ll just feel us cleaning and drying the tooth.
- How long do sealants last?
- Sealants can last for years with normal wear. We check them at routine visits and can repair or reapply them if they chip or wear down.
- Can I eat right after getting sealants?
- Usually, yes. Once the sealant is hardened and we’ve checked your bite, you can return to normal eating and drinking.
- Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
- No. Sealants protect the grooves of chewing surfaces, but you still need daily brushing and flossing to protect the rest of the tooth and the gumline.
- Will a sealant make my tooth feel different?
- It may feel slightly smoother at first, but most people adjust quickly. If your bite feels off, we can make a small adjustment.
- Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
- Sealants are best for healthy teeth or very early risk areas. If there’s a cavity, we’ll discuss the right treatment so decay isn’t trapped underneath.
- How do I know if my child needs sealants?
- We look at when permanent molars erupted, the depth of grooves, and cavity risk factors. We’ll explain what we see and why we recommend them.
- How do I get started?
- Schedule a preventive visit and ask about sealants. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we’ll evaluate your molars and recommend protection that fits your needs.
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Fri–Sun: Closed
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