Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Sealants and Fluoride Treatment in Wake Forest

Shield your smile from cavities and strengthen enamel with expert care from a trusted dentist in Wake Forest.
Call 919-263-2143

Protect Your Teeth from the Start

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments play a key role in protecting teeth, especially for kids. As new adult teeth come in, fluoride strengthens enamel by enhancing remineralization. It helps repair damage caused by acids from plaque and food, rebuilding enamel and making it more resistant to future decay.

Dental Sealants

Molars naturally have deep grooves that can trap food and plaque, making them harder to clean. Applying dental sealants when new molars emerge creates a protective barrier over these areas, helping prevent cavities and keeping teeth healthier in the long run.

Why Choose Sealants and Fluoride?

Sealants and fluoride are highly recommended by the American Dental Association for their powerful preventive benefits. Based on your dentist’s evaluation, sealants may be advised for both baby and adult teeth. Along with good nutrition, proper oral hygiene, fluoride use, and regular dental checkups, they form a complete strategy for protecting your smile — a recommendation supported by the Canadian Dental Association as well.

Minimize Tooth Sensitivity

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the inner parts of your tooth, including the dentin and nerve. When enamel thins or wears down, teeth can become more sensitive to temperature changes and certain foods. Sealants and fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel, protecting the underlying dentin and reducing tooth sensitivity.

Prevent and Even Reverse Early Decay

Worn enamel can lead to decay, cavities, and eventually infections that may require root canals. Fluoride treatments and sealants reinforce enamel, helping to prevent cavities and, in some cases, even reverse early signs of decay.

Save on Future Dental Costs

Investing in preventive care now can help you avoid costly dental procedures later. Fluoride treatments and sealants are a simple, affordable way to protect your teeth — and your wallet — from more serious dental issues down the road.

The Fluoridation and Sealant Process

Sealants are usually applied when new molars come in or when a dentist identifies areas that could use extra protection. Fluoride treatments are often part of your child’s annual dental checkup and cleaning, working hand-in-hand with sealants to keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Fluoride Treatment

Our professional fluoride treatments are stronger and more effective than store-bought options. After your child’s cleaning, we apply a fluoride foam or gel using custom trays for the upper and lower teeth. The process only takes a few minutes, and for the best results, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.

Dental Sealant Application

Sealant application is quick, easy, and completely painless — no drills or anesthesia needed. First, we clean and dry the tooth. A mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface slightly, helping the sealant bond more securely. After rinsing and drying again, the sealant is placed into the grooves and hardened with a special blue light. Once finished, the tooth feels natural, with no change to your bite.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

After a fluoride treatment, it’s important to wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride enough time to fully absorb into the enamel, maximizing its protective benefits. Eating or drinking too soon can wash away the fluoride and reduce its effectiveness in strengthening your teeth and preventing cavities.

Yes, fluoride treatments are very safe when performed by a dental professional. Fluoride helps reinforce tooth enamel and prevent cavities. The amount used during treatment is carefully controlled for maximum safety and effectiveness. If you have specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your dentist to make sure fluoride treatment is right for you.

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars by sealing the deep grooves where food and bacteria can collect. This thin, protective coating makes it easier to keep teeth clean and helps prevent cavities, especially in children and teens whose molars tend to have deeper grooves.

Dental sealants typically last between 5 and 10 years. Their longevity depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and how much wear your teeth experience. During regular dental checkups, your dentist will monitor the sealants and can easily repair or replace them if needed to keep your teeth protected.

No, getting dental sealants is completely painless. The process is quick, doesn’t require anesthesia, and simply involves cleaning the tooth, applying the sealant, and setting it with a special light.

Children typically get dental sealants when their first permanent molars come in, usually between ages 6 and 12. Applying sealants early helps protect these teeth during the most cavity-prone years.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Pat Patterson
3 months ago
This was my first visit to Upton & Baker. Dr. Baker and his staff were wonderful. From the time I arrived till I walked out the door, everyone treated me like family. I fully recommend this practice and look forward to my next experience! Thank you Nick and team!! -Pat P.
More
John Hood
4 months ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
5 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
6 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
Pat Patterson
3 months ago
This was my first visit to Upton & Baker. Dr. Baker and his staff were wonderful. From the time I arrived till I walked out the door, everyone treated me like family. I fully recommend this practice and look forward to my next experience! Thank you Nick and team!! -Pat P.
More
John Hood
4 months ago
I had a crown replaced July 2025. That tooth is ok but the one next to it has been sore and tender making chewing very difficult. The issue was not resolved after 3 follow up visits. I came to Dr. Baker on the recommendation of a friend. He and his staff were Great. He identified the issue, explained the treatment options very well and we agreed on an extraction. He was able to do it at that visit and I have been pain free first time in 7 months. Thank you Dr. Baker and staff! Everyone was great and very professional.
More
Kayne Van Stell
5 months ago
Great staff and first experience at this dentist office! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any dr office that actually thoroughly listens to you during q&a evals. Nice change not getting pronged like cattle and shuffled out the door.
More
Lauren Montressor
6 months ago
After some really awful dental experiences, I will admit I have dentist PTSD. After a botched root canal that had to be re-drilled out and fixed, terrible bedside manner from most dentists after that, and so many more traumatizing experiences, Im very happy to find this office. The front staff is friendly and funny! All of the staff were gentle and understanding of my fear. I never felt shame for my fear, and everything was thoroughly explained in a way that didn't scare me. 10/10 for me!! They also got me booked really quickly so I wasn't waiting months in pain!
More
I traveled over an hour away... I can say it was worth it! I had a great experience with Dr. Upton and his staff. I felt comfortable the entire time and the Dental Savings Plan is truly a life saver. I used to scour the web for coupons and discount apps for dental cleanings often still costing $250+ without x-rays! Fortunately this office offers a competitive program that works for my budget. I truly could not afford it any other way and it went years without a checkup or cleaning. Thank you!
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143