Are you looking for an effective way to protect your family’s teeth from decay? At David Eskow DDS in Olney, MD, we offer top-quality dental sealants treatment that provides long-lasting protection against cavities. Our expert team uses the latest technology to ensure your teeth stay healthy for years to come.
Dental sealants are a simple, painless, and cost-effective preventive treatment that can save you time, money, and the discomfort of dental problems in the future. Keep reading to learn how dental sealants can benefit both children and adults in maintaining optimal oral health.
What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These areas have deep grooves and pits that are difficult to clean properly with regular brushing, making them prime spots for food particles and bacteria to hide.
The sealant material forms a protective shield over these vulnerable areas, “sealing out” harmful bacteria and food debris that cause tooth decay. When properly applied by our experienced dental team at David Eskow DDS, sealants are 100% effective at preventing cavities in the treated areas.
While fluoride treatments effectively protect the smooth surfaces of teeth, they can’t reach into the deep grooves of molars. Dental sealants complement fluoride by providing protection specifically for these high-risk areas, creating a comprehensive defense system against tooth decay.
Why Dental Sealants Are Essential for Children in Olney
Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are particularly vulnerable to cavity formation. When permanent molars first erupt (around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars), the enamel takes up to three years to fully mature and harden. During this time, these teeth are especially susceptible to decay.
Many children also struggle with consistent brushing techniques and may miss cleaning the deep grooves in back teeth. Even the most diligent young brushers might not be able to reach all the nooks and crannies where bacteria hide. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection during these critical years.
Studies show that school-age children without sealants have nearly three times more cavities than children with sealants. By having your child’s teeth sealed at our Olney dental office, you’re making a smart investment in their oral health that can prevent painful dental problems and costly treatments in the future.
Adult Dental Sealants: Protection at Any Age
Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants aren’t just for children. Many adults in Olney and surrounding areas can benefit significantly from this preventive treatment, especially those with risk factors for tooth decay.
Adults with certain conditions like dry mouth (xerostomia), receding gums, or a history of frequent cavities are excellent candidates for dental sealants. Additionally, adults who take medications that reduce saliva flow or who have deep grooves in their molars that trap food easily should consider sealants as part of their preventive dental care.
Even if you’ve never had a cavity, dental sealants can provide added insurance against future decay. As we age, our risk factors change, and teeth that have remained cavity-free for decades can suddenly become vulnerable. At David Eskow DDS, we evaluate each patient individually to determine if sealants would be beneficial for their specific oral health situation.
The Dental Sealant Procedure: Quick, Painless, and Effective
Wondering what to expect during your dental sealant appointment at our Olney office? The procedure is one of the quickest and most comfortable dental treatments available, typically completed in a single visit. Here’s what happens:
- Preparation: First, our team thoroughly cleans your teeth using air abrasion to remove any plaque or food debris from the grooves.
- Conditioning: We apply a special etching solution that creates microscopic roughness on the tooth surface, allowing the sealant material to bond securely.
- Application: The liquid sealant material is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.
- Curing: We use an ultraviolet light or laser to harden the sealant, creating a strong protective shield that bonds tightly to your tooth.
The entire process takes just minutes per tooth and requires no drilling, no shots, and no removal of tooth structure. Patients can eat and drink normally immediately after the procedure, making it ideal for busy families in the Olney area.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
| Age Group | Average Sealant Durability | Recommended Check-ups |
| Children | 5-10 years | Every 6 months |
| Teenagers | 3-7 years | Every 6 months |
| Adults | 3-5 years | Every 6 months |
Dental sealants are remarkably durable and can last for many years with proper care. At David Eskow DDS, we check your sealants during regular dental exams to ensure they remain intact and functional. If we notice any chips or wear, we can quickly repair or replace the sealant to maintain continuous protection.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits to our Olney office, your dental sealants can provide protection for:
- 5-10 years in children
- 3-7 years in teenagers
- 3-5 years in adults
Remember that while sealants protect the chewing surfaces, maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential for protecting all surfaces of your teeth and maintaining overall dental health.
Cost-Effectiveness of Dental Sealants
Investing in dental sealants at David Eskow DDS is not only good for your oral health but also for your wallet. Consider these financial benefits:
- The cost of sealing one tooth is significantly less than filling a cavity in that same tooth
- Sealants eliminate the need for more expensive treatments like crowns ($800-$1,500) or root canals ($700-$1,000) that might be required for severely decayed teeth
- Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and sometimes for adults with high decay risk
When you compare the minimal cost of preventive sealants to the potential expense of treating decay and its complications, the value becomes clear. Our Olney dental team will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and make sealants affordable for your family.
Why Choose David Eskow DDS for Dental Sealants in Olney, MD?
At David Eskow DDS, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional preventive dental care to patients throughout Olney and neighboring communities. When you choose our practice for dental sealants, you benefit from:
- Dr. David Eskow’s expertise as a top dentist recognized by Washingtonian Magazine 2025
- Our team of experienced professionals including Dr. John Chillari and our skilled dental hygienists
- The latest technology and materials for maximum effectiveness and comfort
- A warm, family-friendly environment where patients of all ages feel welcome
We understand that preventive treatments like dental sealants are most effective when they’re part of a comprehensive approach to oral health. That’s why we take time to educate our patients about proper brushing and flossing techniques, nutritional choices that support dental health, and other preventive strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
Are dental sealants safe? Yes, dental sealants are completely safe. The materials used are biocompatible and have been thoroughly tested for use in dentistry. They contain no known harmful chemicals and pose no health risks.
Will my child feel the sealants on their teeth? No. Sealants are extremely thin and conform precisely to the contours of the tooth. Most patients quickly forget they even have sealants.
Can sealants be placed over areas of early decay? In some cases, sealants can be placed over areas with very early decay to prevent further damage. This stops the decay process by cutting off the bacteria’s food supply. However, more advanced decay requires traditional treatment methods.
What happens if a sealant wears off or chips? If a sealant becomes damaged or wears away, bacteria and food particles can collect in the groove again, putting the tooth at risk for decay. During regular dental checkups, we’ll check your sealants and reapply them as needed.
Schedule Your Dental Sealant Appointment in Olney Today
Protect your family’s smiles with dental sealants from David Eskow DDS. Our preventive treatments are quick, comfortable, and provide lasting protection against tooth decay. While sealants are extremely effective, remember that they work best as part of a complete oral care routine that includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
Ready to safeguard your teeth with dental sealants? Our friendly Olney dental team is here to help.
Visit Us: 18119 Cashell Road, Olney, MD 20832
Call: 301.774.2000
Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Don’t wait until cavities develop – take a proactive step toward better dental health with dental sealants from David Eskow DDS, your trusted dental provider in Olney, MD.