New Hanover County · Since 1987
Dental Sealants in Castle Hayne, NC
A sealant is a thin coating over the grooves of a back tooth. It takes a few minutes per tooth, needs no drilling, and prevents most of the cavities children get.
- Three doctors, one location
- Sedation available
- Most major plans accepted
- Written estimates before treatment
What to know about sealants
The chewing surfaces of molars have grooves narrower than a toothbrush bristle. Food and bacteria get in, the brush does not, and that is where the majority of childhood decay starts.
This treatment in Castle Hayne
Castle Hayne runs on shift work, the nuclear campus, the airport and the rail corridor, and employer dental benefits go unused every year.
Employer plans usually pay for two cleanings a year at no cost to you. That is money already spent on your behalf whether you use it or not.
GE Vernova Hitachi is the anchor employer, and shift patterns there shape how we schedule Castle Hayne appointments.
River Bluffs has added a different resident profile to what was a rural community a decade ago.
ILM airport sits just south of Castle Hayne, and the NC-133 run to N. 23rd Street avoids the worst of the city traffic.
We see patients from across Castle Hayne and the surrounding area, including GE Vernova Hitachi, ILM airport, River Bluffs and the 28429 ZIP code.
New Hanover County is the built-out core of the region, growing around one percent a year, with roughly 21 percent of residents over 65 and the highest concentration of employer dental coverage in southeastern North Carolina.
We open at 8:00, so a preventive visit costs the start of a shift rather than the whole day.
Early morning appointments starting at 8:00 so a cleaning does not cost you a shift.
You may be a candidate if
- Children whose six-year or twelve-year molars have just erupted
- Deep grooves in molars that trap food
- A history of cavities in the family
- Adults with unrestored molars and deep anatomy
- Anyone at higher decay risk from medication-related dry mouth
Your treatment, start to finish
- Check the toothSealants go over healthy grooves. If there is already decay, it needs a filling instead.
- Clean and prepareThe surface is cleaned and conditioned. No drill, no injection.
- Apply and cureThe sealant flows into the grooves and is set with a light.
- Check the biteA quick adjustment so it does not feel high.
Afterwards
Eat and drink normally straight away. We check sealants at every hygiene visit and repair them if they chip, which is quick and often included.
Follow-up appointments are brief and we open at 8:00, so they rarely cost more than the start of a shift.
What it costs
Most dental plans cover sealants for children on permanent molars, frequently at 100 percent. A sealant costs a fraction of what a filling on the same tooth costs later.
Employer dental benefits reset annually and unused balance does not carry over. If you have not used yours this year, it is worth checking what is left before December.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
How long do sealants last?
Several years commonly. We check them at each visit and top them up as needed.
Do sealants contain BPA?
Modern dental sealants are not made from BPA. Trace exposure at application is far below any level of concern, and it is a fair question to ask us at the appointment.
How far is your office from Castle Hayne?
About 11 miles, or roughly 20 minutes via NC-133 South (Castle Hayne Road) to N. 23rd Street. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Castle Hayne?
Regularly. Castle Hayne is part of our core service area in New Hanover County, and early morning appointments starting at 8:00 so a cleaning does not cost you a shift.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or use the appointment request form and we will come back to you with the first available time.
Dental Sealants · Castle Hayne, NC
One trip. Everybody seen.
We block consecutive appointments so a family visit is one morning rather than three separate afternoons.
- General, cosmetic, orthodontic and surgical care under one roof
- Consecutive family scheduling on request
- Sealants and preventive care for children
- Most major dental plans accepted
Nervous child? Tell us before the appointment and we will slow the whole thing down.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
