Are Sealants Painful?

No. Sealants are applied without drilling, injections, anesthesia, or extractions. Getting dental sealants is a quick and painless process.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your consultation, dental sealants are applied in one appointment, which usually takes around 30 minutes.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Once applied, dental sealants can protect teeth for 2-7 years. If you have exceptional oral hygiene, the results can last up to 10 years.

Are Sealants Only Applied To Chewing Surfaces?

Chewing surfaces typically have the most fissures, grooves, and crevices, so sealants provide the most significant advantages here. If other teeth suffer from depressions or indentations, sealant can also be applied there when needed.

What Does It Feel Like After They Are Placed?

After about a week, most patients will not notice the sealant at all. Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so they are not detectable to the eye. When running your tongue along your teeth, you might notice a slightly different texture than you’re used to, but it is not uncomfortable in any way.

Do Dental Sealants Really Make A Difference?

Yes. Dental sealants can protect teeth from decay and disease. They also make it easier to clean and maintain teeth, preventing cavities.

Sealants

Fort Lee, NJ

Introduction to Sealants

Sealants present a highly effective solution in the fight against tooth decay and are appropriate for both children and adults. A color-customized acrylic coating is applied to the tooth’s biting surface, winding its way into the deeper grooves to act as a powerful barrier against plaque and acids. These entrenched crevices are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing, so sealants provide an added layer of protection against disease. Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., in Fort Lee, NJ, provides a personalized, precision-oriented approach to your care and is known for setting patients of all ages at ease throughout their dental journey.

woman smiling with the wind blowing her hair - Dental Sealants in Fort Lee, NJ

What are Sealants?

A sealant is a wafer-thin, plastic coating affixed to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any tooth that has deep grooves (pits and fissures). Studies show that more than 75% of dental decay begins in these hard-to-reach areas. Teeth with these attributes are hard to clean and are very susceptible to disease. Sealants protect the teeth by locking out bacteria, plaque, and acids while creating a smoother tooth surface that is easier to brush and floss. In children and teens, sealants can be applied as soon as the six-year molars emerge or at any time during the child’s most cavity-prone years of 6-16. For adults, sealants are ideal for addressing any teeth with deep grooves, crevices, or depressions.

What Are the Benefits of Sealants?

Dr. Weiselberg in North New Jersey recommends sealants for patients who seek extra protection against tooth decay and cavities. Advantages of sealants include:

Protects the teeth from disease and decay
Blocks the accumulation of plaque and debris
Helps children to avoid the pain and anxiety associated with having cavities treated
The coating is subtle and natural-looking
It is more effective in fighting decay than brushing and flossing alone
It saves time and money
Preserves a healthy-looking, confident smile

Who Are the Best Candidates for Sealants?

Both children and adults qualify to receive treatment with dental sealants. However, the procedure is most commonly suggested for children around age six whose teeth remain cavity-free. Dr. Weiselberg will examine your teeth during your private consultation to check for deep grooves and fissures. If these depressions are discovered, she will recommend dental sealants as a way to optimize your oral health.

woman smiling and touching her face while looking in the mirror - Dental Sealants in Fort Lee, NJ

Let’s Get Started

What’s the
first step?

During your consultation, Dr. Weiselberg will thoroughly examine your teeth and molars to decide whether you are a good sealant candidate. If you are, she will schedule your appointment at a time that is most convenient for your schedule. There is nothing special you have to do to prepare for a session with dental sealants. Your teeth will be meticulously cleaned and prepared on the day of your treatment to ensure no bacteria gets trapped between the sealant and your tooth’s surface.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Treatment

Dr. Weiselberg easily applies sealants through a process that takes just minutes per tooth to complete. The targeted teeth are cleansed and dried as a first step, preparing them for the sealant. Cotton is placed inside the mouth to keep the teeth dry during application. The chewing surfaces of the teeth may be treated with a mild and safe acid solution to roughen the area so the sealant will bond and adhere better. The teeth are rinsed and dried again before the sealant is carefully painted onto the tooth enamel, filling in deep groves and indentations to prevent future cavities. Depending on the sealant type, the material will either harden instantly or firm under a specialized curing light.

Sealants Recovery

After treatment with sealants, patients are able to drink liquids and eat normal foods later that day. Once the sealant is in place, there are no restrictions. However, it is wise to avoid sticky candy, hard candy, ice, and gum.

Patients may experience several unique sensations in the first few hours after getting dental sealants. These include:

The feeling of a foreign object in the mouth
The feeling of bulkiness against the teeth
Changes in tastes and textures
Mild discomfort
Mild sensitivity
Minor changes in diction

Rest assured, these sensations will fade within about one week, and your teeth will feel normal. With proper care and oral hygiene, sealants can last for years.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Do Sealants Cost in North New Jersey?

The cost of sealants in Fort Lee and the Northern New Jersey area may vary, but the average price is typically about $80 per tooth. Depending on the patient’s age, dental insurance may cover all or part of the procedure costs. Our office can help you contact your insurer and find out more information.

Why Choose North Jersey Dental Group?

Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I, founded the North Jersey Dental Group in order to provide superior, comprehensive dental care for children and adults in and beyond Fort Lee. Since 2006, Dr. Weiselberg has been licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York. She has been on the Board of Directors of New York University’s College of Dentistry’s Alumni Association since September 2009. As a testament to her skill and winning bedside manner, Dr. Weiselberg was nominated as one of the Best 50 Women In Business in the State of New Jersey by NJBIZ in 2011 and was heralded as a Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women in 2009 and 2010. She is a Lifetime Member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs. Additionally, Dr. Weiselberg maintains membership in the American Dental Association (ADA), the North Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Sealants FAQ’S

After about a week, most patients will not notice the sealant at all. Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so they are not detectable to the eye. When running your tongue along your teeth, you might notice a slightly different texture than you’re used to, but it is not uncomfortable in any way.

Schedule your
consultation

If you are interested in learning more about how dental sealants can help protect your teeth against cavities, saving you time, discomfort, and money in the future, contact our caring staff at the North Jersey Dental Group in Fort Lee today. Dr. Weiselberg is a dedicated and experienced provider who will immediately make you feel at ease. Call us at 201-461-4800 or use our online request form.