Dental Sealants and Fluoride in Encinitas – Simple Protection for Long-Term Oral Health
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we believe that some of the most powerful dental treatments are also the simplest. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are quick, comfortable, and incredibly effective ways to protect teeth—especially for children, but also for adults who are prone to cavities.
If you’re looking for conservative, preventative care in Encinitas, sealants and fluoride offer long-term benefits with minimal time and cost.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—usually the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that can easily trap food and bacteria, even with good brushing habits.
Sealants “seal” these vulnerable areas, creating a smooth surface that makes it harder for plaque and food particles to stick. This helps prevent cavities and supports better oral hygiene—especially for younger patients.
How Sealants Work
Applying sealants is quick and painless:
- The tooth surface is cleaned and dried.
- A special gel is applied to prepare the surface.
- The sealant material is brushed onto the tooth.
- A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds.
There’s no drilling, numbing, or discomfort involved. Most patients don’t feel a thing—and the whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Who Should Get Sealants?
While sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teens, they’re also a smart choice for certain adults.
Sealants are ideal for:
- Children as soon as their first permanent molars erupt (around age 6)
- Teens with deep grooves in their back teeth
- Adults with a history of cavities or weakened enamel
- Patients with difficulty maintaining oral hygiene
Sealants can last several years and are easy to reapply if needed.
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Even though many people get fluoride from toothpaste or tap water, professional treatments provide a much higher, targeted dose.
In-office fluoride treatments offer concentrated protection—especially helpful for patients at greater risk of tooth decay, including:
- Children
- Teens in orthodontic treatment
- Adults with dry mouth or exposed roots
- Seniors with worn enamel or dental work
- Patients prone to cavities
Types of Fluoride Treatment
At our Encinitas office, fluoride is typically applied as a varnish, foam, or gel. It’s safe, fast, and takes just a few minutes after your cleaning.
Once applied, we recommend avoiding food or drink for about 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into the enamel. The result? Stronger, more cavity-resistant teeth with minimal effort.
Sealants and Fluoride Work Best Together
Sealants and fluoride both reduce the risk of cavities—but they protect teeth in different ways:
- Sealants create a physical barrier over the grooves of molars.
- Fluoride strengthens enamel across the entire tooth surface.
When used together, they provide a powerful layer of protection, especially during the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence. Many parents find peace of mind knowing their child’s smile has this extra level of defense.
Benefits of Sealants and Fluoride
Preventative care is always easier—and more affordable—than restorative treatment. Choosing sealants and fluoride in Encinitas offers benefits like:
- Reduced risk of cavities and decay
- Painless, non-invasive treatment
- Long-lasting protection
- Lower long-term dental costs
- Safe for all ages
- Fast and easy to apply during a regular cleaning visit
These simple treatments can save you or your child from needing fillings, crowns, or root canals down the line.
Are These Treatments Safe?
Absolutely. Both sealants and fluoride have been used in dentistry for decades and are backed by years of research. The American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly recommend them as part of a comprehensive prevention plan.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S., we only use high-quality, proven materials and apply fluoride carefully and appropriately based on your individual risk and health history.
Local, Compassionate Care You Can Trust
As your local Encinitas family dentist, Dr. Skeens and our team are proud to care for patients of all ages. Whether we’re placing a sealant on your child’s first molar or applying fluoride to help prevent decay in adults with dry mouth, we provide each treatment with attention, compassion, and personalized care.
Our community-first approach means:
- Clear communication at every step
- No-pressure recommendations
- Comfort-focused treatment for kids and adults
- A commitment to prevention and long-term wellness
We’ve been serving families in Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and beyond for years—and we’re always happy to welcome new patients into our care.
Schedule a Sealant or Fluoride Appointment Today
If you’re ready to protect your smile—or your child’s—from cavities before they start, sealants and fluoride are a great place to begin.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 to schedule your visit. We’ll evaluate your dental health and recommend the right preventative treatments to keep your smile strong, clean, and cavity-free.
Simple steps today can save you a lot tomorrow. Let us help you take the easiest route to lifelong oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sealants and Fluoride
How long do dental sealants last?
Are fluoride treatments safe for kids?
Do adults need fluoride treatments?
Can I get sealants if I already have cavities?
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Administrative
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
