Protective Sealants for a Healthy Smile at Our Office in Wilmington, NC

Dental sealants from our experienced dentist are a simple, painless solution to prevent cavities at our office in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area. Typically, Stephanie G. Hackney DDS PA recommends sealants for young children and teens, whose inexperience with dental hygiene can make them more cavity-prone during their younger years. On occasion, we may also recommend sealants for adults with cavity-prone teeth.

Prevention Can Make All the Difference

You may have noticed that your molars (the teeth in the back of your mouth) have lots of ridges that are great for chewing. Over time, the ridges become worn and tend to get deeper and narrower. Food and bacteria may become nestled and eventually wedged in these difficult-to-reach spaces. They will cause decay and ultimately lead to cavities if left untreated.

Stephanie G. Hackney DDS PA recommends sealants to help prevent food and bacteria from getting in those narrow spaces. Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating that is “painted” onto the chewing surface of each tooth. The resin then creates a barrier by filling in the worn spaces, resulting in a smoother surface for brushing away food and bacteria. The process only takes a few minutes and is usually covered by insurance for patients under the age of 18.

Learn More

This protective shield over the tooth’s enamel can last up to 10 years with proper care and cleaning. Our dentist will check your sealants at each routine appointment and replace them if necessary. Contact Stephanie G. Hackney DDS PA today to learn more about the sealants we offer to patients in the Wilmington, NC, area.