Dental Sealants in Dearborn, MI
Dental sealants are a simple, non invasive treatment that helps protect teeth from cavities and decay. At West Village Dental Care in Dearborn, MI, our dentists apply a thin protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, sealing out bacteria and food particles. Sealants are especially effective for children, teens, and adults who are prone to cavities and help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a tooth-colored resin material applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent tooth decay. These chewing surfaces, with their deep fissures, are difficult to clean properly and are prime spots for plaque and bacteria buildup. The sealant fills in these pits and forms a smooth, protective surface that helps prevent cavities by blocking out food and bacteria. The process is quick, painless, and does not require drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it an ideal preventive treatment for patients of all ages.
The Problem Dental Sealants Address: Cavities
Cavities develop primarily in the deep grooves of molars and premolars, where toothbrush bristles struggle to clean effectively.
- Plaque Buildup: A sticky bacterial film forms rapidly on teeth, especially in hard-to-reach grooves of molars and premolars. Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans thrive in this biofilm, metabolizing sugars from frequent snacks, drinks, and meals to produce lactic and other acids at alarming rates, dropping plaque pH below 5.5 repeatedly. This acidic assault overwhelms saliva's buffering, setting the stage for enamel breakdown if not addressed by preventive measures like dental sealants.
- Enamel Erosion: Bacterial acids trigger demineralization, leaching calcium and phosphate from enamel to form initial white subsurface lesions or tiny pits. Without intervention, these evolve into visible cavities as enamel softens and collapses, exposing dentin. Frequent sugar exposure accelerates this cycle, turning minor flaws into painful decay far costlier to treat than simple sealants.
Are You a Candidate?
Ideal candidates for dental sealants include those at higher risk for cavities in back teeth grooves.
- Children (Ages 6-12): Newly erupted permanent molars face peak decay risk before hygiene habits solidify; first molars at ~6 years and second at ~12 benefit most.
- Teens (Ages 13-19): Vulnerable during orthodontic treatment or inconsistent brushing; 48% have sealants per health data.
- Adults (20+): Deep grooves, dry mouth (medications), enamel defects, frequent cavities, or high-sugar diets warrant sealants on unrestored molars.
- Special Cases: Pregnant patients or orthodontic wearers gain protection; exam assesses groove depth, saliva flow, and decay history at West Village Dental Care in Dearborn, MI.
Symptoms of Cavities
- Heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Chalky white spots or visible dark pits/brown stains on chewing surfaces.
- Mild, intermittent pain while chewing or spontaneous toothache.
- Sharp, throbbing pain reaching the dentin layer, even without stimuli.
- Swelling, abscesses with pus, bad breath, or fever from infection.
- Tooth fracture, loss, or need for invasive treatments like fillings, root canals, crowns, or extractions, far costlier than preventive dental sealants.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Superior Cavity Protection: Sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in vulnerable molars during the first years after application.
- Long-lasting Defence: With regular dental check-ups, sealants can last several years, providing durable protection.
- Safe for All Ages: The materials used are safe and approved by dental health authorities.
- Cost-effective Preventive Care: By preventing cavities, sealants reduce the need for fillings, root canals, or other restorative treatments.
- Enhances Oral Hygiene: Sealants make cleaning easier by smoothing out rough grooves and pits.
- Comfortable & Non-invasive: The entire application process is painless and typically completed during a routine dental visit.
Dental Sealants Procedure
- Cleaning: Teeth undergo thorough professional polishing with a pumice paste to eliminate all plaque, debris, food particles, and surface stains from the grooves, ensuring maximum sealant adhesion and long-term effectiveness.
- Isolation & Drying: Cotton rolls, dry angles, or a rubber dam isolate the tooth; high-speed air drying for 20-30 seconds removes moisture completely, critical for proper bonding without contamination.
- Etching: Acid etchant (typically 35-37% phosphoric acid) roughens enamel pits and fissures for 15-30 seconds per manufacturer's instructions, rinsed for 30-60 seconds, then re-dried to a frosty chalky white matte appearance.
- Sealant Application: Liquid resin sealant flows precisely into etched fissures using a brush or syringe; excess material is wiped away gently to fill grooves without air bubbles or voids.
- Curing: A curing light (blue LED at 400-500nm) hardens the sealant in 10-40 seconds, polymerizing it into a smooth, durable, protective shield bonded firmly to enamel.
- Check & Polish: Dentist inspects margins for complete coverage, checks occlusion with articulating paper, adjusts high spots, and polishes for patient comfort and natural feel.
Patient Testimonials
Amazing staff, they all work together seamlessly helping one another and making the patient feel comfortable and well taken care of. they give you ample amount of info and are able to answer all questions. They also greet you with so much love and care. Great and gentle staff! 
Had an emergency my front tooth broke and didn't have a dentist in the area. They got me scheduled and seen very quickly. And since I didn't have dental insurance they helped me secure a way to pay for my treatment. The Dentist is wonderful made it an easy and comfortable visit.
I was very scared and nervous. I didn’t know what I was going to get into but the doctor and the nurse that was with him were very comforting. They talk to me and relaxed me told me what was going on. I would recommend you guys to anybody who is looking for a dentist.
First time here,service by everyone was exceptional from front desk to assistant, dentist himself everyone in between spoke and smiled. The person I made the appointment with (sorry I forgot her name) she was very knowledgeable,patience and did great follow ups.
Our Expert Dental Team
At West Village Dental Care, our skilled dentists like Dr. Maya Soueidan, Dr. Rana Elsamadouny, Dr. Rezan Doku, and Dr. Younis Mohamed focus on personalized, preventive care that preserves your natural teeth and promotes long-term oral health. With advanced training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, alongside a commitment to patient education, our team tailors dental sealant treatments that fit your unique dental needs and lifestyle. We prioritize your comfort and ensure a welcoming atmosphere at our practice.
Financing Options at West Village Dental Care
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; we work with all major insurance provides, please call at (313) 474-6068 for clarity.
Schedule Your Dental Sealants Appointment Today
Protect your smile effectively with dental sealants at West Village Dental Care in Dearborn, MI. Call us at (313) 474-6068 or visit us at Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124 to book your consultation. Let our expert team help prevent tooth decay and maintain your healthy, radiant smile through proven preventive dental care.
FAQs
Sealants are commonly applied to children as soon as their permanent molars erupt, usually around 6 years old, but they are beneficial for adults, too.
No, sealants last several years but require regular dental visits to check their condition and reapply when needed.
The process is painless and non-invasive, with no drilling or injections required.
While highly effective on chewing surfaces, sealants do not protect other tooth surfaces, so maintaining good oral hygiene remains crucial.
Yes, they are made from biocompatible materials that have been tested and approved by dental health organizations.
Absolutely. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can benefit from sealants to prevent future cavities.