As part of your child’s preventive care, our pediatric dental team will apply dental sealants. This straightforward treatment helps reduce the risk of cavities and supports your child in maintaining a healthy smile as they grow and develop.
Book OnlineWhat Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment designed to protect against decay-causing bacteria and plaque. They are a thin resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Once in place, the sealant forms a protective shield over the tooth, helping to prevent cavities and enhancing the effectiveness of regular brushing and flossing.
Sealants can be applied in just a few minutes during your child’s routine dental cleanings or exams. First, our pediatric dentist will clean the tooth’s surface and rinse away any cleaning agent. An etching solution is then applied to the tooth enamel to prepare it, followed by a rinse after about 15 seconds. After drying the teeth, the sealant material is applied and hardened with a special light. The process is completely comfortable.
When Are Dental Sealants Provided?
Sealants are typically applied when the permanent molars erupt, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. Once these teeth come through, our pediatric dentist can apply sealants to help maintain a healthy smile.
Why Should Children Receive Sealants?
There are several important reasons why children should receive dental sealants:
- Children are at a higher risk of developing cavities, and sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80%.
- Sealants are a long-lasting preventive treatment, lasting at least five years and sometimes up to 10 years.
- Sealants can be applied even over cavities in their early stages to prevent further damage.
- The smooth coating formed by sealants makes regular brushing and flossing at home more effective in keeping your child’s teeth clean.