Step 1: Cleaning
We thoroughly clean and dry the tooth surface to prepare it for the sealant.
Yuma's Best Dentist
Simple, Painless Protection That Stops Cavities Before They Start
Cavities don't have to be inevitable. At Arizona Avenue Dentistry in Yuma, we offer dental sealants, which are a proven preventive treatment to shield vulnerable teeth from decay.
Whether for your child's newly erupted molars or your own cavity-prone back teeth, dental sealants provide a barrier that can prevent up to 80% of cavities.
Dr. Grady and our compassionate team make the sealant application quick and comfortable, creating an effective protection layer that lasts for years. Call us at (928) 782-3685 to schedule an appointment and give your family's teeth the protection they deserve.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits that are difficult to clean with regular brushing, making them prime targets for cavities.
The sealant material (a safe, BPA-free plastic resin) bonds directly to the tooth enamel, creating a smooth, sealed surface that bacteria and food particles can't penetrate. Think of it as a raincoat for your teeth: it keeps harmful substances out while the tooth stays dry and protected underneath.
Your back teeth have natural grooves that help you chew food. Unfortunately, these grooves are often too narrow for even a single toothbrush bristle to reach. Food particles and bacteria get trapped in these tiny spaces, producing acid that eats away at the enamel and causes cavities.
Dental sealants fill in these grooves with a protective coating, creating a flat, smooth surface that's easy to keep clean. The barrier prevents bacteria, food debris and acids from settling into the vulnerable areas. The result? Your teeth can do their job without becoming a breeding ground for decay.
Sealants are most effective when applied to permanent molars as soon as they come in:
Protecting these teeth early before cavities have a chance to form gives children the best possible foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Many schools and pediatric dentists recommend sealants as a routine part of preventive care.
Sealants aren't just for kids. Adults can benefit from sealants if they have:
Even if you're diligent about brushing and flossing, sealants add an extra layer of protection where you need it most.
Getting dental sealants is one of the quickest and easiest procedures we perform. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and it's completely painless.
We thoroughly clean and dry the tooth surface to prepare it for the sealant.
We paint the liquid sealant material onto the chewing surface, where it flows into the grooves.
A special curing light hardens the sealant in seconds, bonding it firmly to the tooth.
That's it! You can eat and drink normally right after the appointment. The sealants go to work immediately, protecting your teeth from the moment you walk out the door.
Sealants are preventive: They stop cavities before they start. The tooth remains completely healthy and intact.
Fillings are restorative: They repair teeth after decay has already damaged them. This requires removing decayed tooth structure, which weakens the tooth.
The choice is clear: protecting teeth with sealants is faster, easier and better for long-term oral health than waiting for cavities to form and treating them with fillings.
With proper care, dental sealants typically last 5 to 10 years. Many sealants placed in childhood continue protecting teeth well into adulthood. During your regular dental checkups, Dr. Grady will examine your sealants to make certain they're still intact and doing their job.
If a sealant wears down or chips over time, we can easily repair or replace it to maintain your protection. The important thing is to keep up with your routine dental visits so we can monitor the condition of your sealants and address any issues before they become problems.
Dental sealants work best as part of a complete preventive care strategy. We often combine sealants with:
While sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, fluoride strengthens enamel all over the tooth, including the smooth surfaces and areas between teeth. Together, they provide comprehensive protection.
Sealants are a cornerstone of our pediatric dental care. We make the experience fun and comfortable for kids, helping them build positive associations with dental visits from an early age.
At Arizona Avenue Dentistry, we believe in making dental care accessible, comfortable, and judgment-free. Dr. Grady brings over 20 years of dental experience, including 18 years as a hygienist and more than 2 years as a dentist, and understands preventive care from every angle.
We understand that dental visits can feel stressful. Our team creates a welcoming, supportive environment where you and your family feel heard and respected.
We have bilingual staff available to serve our Spanish-speaking patients with comfort and clarity.
Our team is trained to work with patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs, providing patient, individualized care.
Cavities are preventable. Give your teeth the protection they deserve with dental sealants at Arizona Avenue Dentistry in Yuma. Dr. Grady and our caring team make the process quick, comfortable and effective.
Call (928) 782-3685 to schedule an appointment, or visit our family dentistry page to learn more about our comprehensive preventive care services.
We're proud of the care we give, but hearing from our patients means everything. Read the reviews that reflect our commitment to comfort, compassion and exceptional dentistry.