Welcome to the Dental Implant page on Google. Our #1 recommendation for dental implants in Raleigh NC is X which is owned by Dr. Won who developed a passion for dental implants while attending medical school. X was founded by Dr. Won, MD, FACOMS, who is an oral surgeon in Raleigh NC that practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and facial esthetics, and bone grafting procedures and perform a full range of dental implants in Raleigh and Elizabeth City.

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Dental Implant Sealant Fundamentals

Dental sealants, sometimes simply called "sealants", are typically made of plastic and are applied atop the occlusal (chewing) surface of the premolars and molars in the back of the mouth. This works to protect the teeth against acid and bacteria known to cause decay. These plastic resins are put on the teeth by hygienists, and the materials are meant to fit into the grooves and depressions of the chewing area. Special light is used to fix the plastic to the tooth enamel, creating a tight barrier.

While regular flossing and brushing is helpful for ridding the smooth parts of teeth of plaque and excess food, toothbrushes are incapable of reaching the deep ridges and grooves that characterize back molars. Buildup of plaque then occurs, leaving the teeth vulnerable to bacteria and acid, and ultimately, the development of cavities. Though fluoride treatment can also be helpful in this regard, sealants offer additional safeguards for these teeth by generating a seal against debris and food that can infiltrate occlusal surfaces otherwise.

The process of adding sealants tends to be pain-free, and no numbing agents or drilling are necessary.

1. The first thing the hygienist will do is to polish the tooth's surface using a pumice-type tool so that any food and plaque can be eliminated from the fissures and pits that exist.

2. Now, the selected tooth will be isolated and fully dried in order to prevent saliva from covering the fissures and pits to be sealed. The hygienist will then need to etch the tooth's surface, rinse the etching agent and once again dry the tooth.

3. Then, the sealant material itself will be placed on the tooth's surface by way of a brush. Light is then used to cure the sealant for roughly 30 seconds, creating a strong bond.

4. Lastly, the hygienist and the dentist together will examine the final sealant result and check occlusion. After the sealant is hard, it is essentially a durable plastic, and normal chewing can commence.

Generally speaking, sealants are applied soon after the chosen tooth has initially erupted from the gums. This tends to be between age six and twelve. Though sealants may also be helpful for older kids and some adults with significant pitting or grooves in the back teeth. A dental professional will be able to advice whether sealants make sense in a given case.

Provided the sealant is not disturbed or damaged, the underlying tooth will remain safe from decay. Modern sealants are able to withstand chewing and have the potential to last for a number of years before a reapplication is necessary. At each dental checkup, the dentist will take a look at the condition of previously placed sealants and undertake reapplications as needed. The overall process is extremely straightforward and offers a great deal of protection from troublesome decay that tends to plague the back teeth.

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