Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and painless way to help prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and cavities in children.
Dental Sealants For Kids
What are pediatric dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, clear coating applied to the back teeth (molars) that helps prevent tooth decay. Sealants are a preventative treatment that lowers the chances of developing cavities in the deep chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Since these grooves, pits, and fissures are narrow and difficult to clean with a toothbrush, especially for children whose motor skills aren’t yet developed, some areas develop cavities first.
By placing sealants over chewing surfaces, we create a shallower area that’s smoother and easier to clean with a toothbrush. That way, there’s little to no residual bacteria left inside the grooves following your typical brushing routine.
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What is the procedure for dental sealants?
The procedure for pediatric dental sealants is quick and simple. If your child needs dental sealants, there is no need to worry—the procedure is painless!
To start, we will clean the teeth where the sealants will be applied. Once they dry, we’ll place cotton around the teeth to keep them dry. Then, we’ll roughen the chewing surfaces just enough so the sealant adheres to each tooth. The teeth are rinsed and dried one more time, and then the sealants are applied. Once applied, the sealants bond directly to the tooth and harden.
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How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years. Their lifespan can vary, but many last for years—and it is possible to place a new sealant on a tooth if the sealant wears off. At each checkup, we will examine any dental sealants to ensure they are protecting the teeth as they should. If there are any chips, cracks, or excessive wear on a sealant, we will apply a new one.
It is important to note that sealants only protect the surface of the tooth they are placed on. Using fluoride and other preventative cleaning practices will still help protect all the surfaces of the tooth from decay and cavities.
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Are dental sealants worth it?
Dental sealants are designed for healthy teeth that have yet to develop cavities. The procedure is quick and painless and can last for many years, so they are definitely worth it!
Investing in affordable dental sealants can help prevent more extensive (and expensive) oral health treatments in the future.
Questions About Dental Sealants?
If you have more questions about dental sealants, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further. You can also request an appointment or see the other services we provide using the links below.
