Dental Sealants
As integral components of your child's proactive oral care plan, our specialized pediatric dentistry team offers dental sealants, facilitating their journey to a healthier smile. This uncomplicated procedure significantly lowers the risk of dental cavities, ensuring your child's dental well-being as they grow.
What Exactly are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants act as an efficient preventive measure, designed to thwart the growth of decay-fostering bacteria and plaque. They're made from a thin layer of resin material that's smoothly applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Once adhered, the sealant creates a barrier over the tooth, actively deterring cavity development and increasing the efficacy of routine brushing and flossing.
The quick and painless process of applying sealants is conducted during your child's regular dental cleanings or exams. Our pediatric dentists meticulously clean the tooth's surface and thoroughly rinse it to eliminate all cleaning agent traces. To prepare your child's tooth enamel, an etching solution is applied and carefully washed off after around 15 seconds. Once the teeth are dried, the sealant material is set in place and solidified using a specialized light.
When are Dental Sealants Applied?
Dental sealants are typically applied once the permanent molars make their appearance, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. As soon as these teeth appear, our pediatric dentists can administer a sealant to fortify your child's smile.
Why Should Dental Sealants be Considered for Children?
There are numerous benefits associated with dental sealants for children:
- Children are more prone to cavities, and sealants curtail this risk by nearly 80%.
- As a long-term preventive solution, sealants can last between five to ten years.
- Even when cavities are in their early stages, sealants can be positioned over them to stave off further deterioration.
- The smooth layer that sealants create over the teeth enhances the effectiveness of regular at-home brushing and flossing in maintaining your child’s dental cleanliness.
