Dental Sealants

The molars, or the teeth in the back of the mouth, have grooves and crevices on their chewing surfaces that can trap food debris and plaque, leaving them susceptible to decay. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings we apply to the chewing surfaces of your child's permanent molars. They smooth out the tooth surfaces and act as barriers, protecting the enamel from plaque and acid attacks. While dental sealants are not substitutes for regular brushing and flossing, they significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

We recommend placing dental sealants when the first permanent molars come in, around age 6, and when the second molars emerge, around age 12. Sealing your child's teeth as they come in helps protect them before they can develop decay. However, older children and teens may also benefit from dental sealant application.

When it comes to your little one's health, prevention is always better than treatment! Dental sealants offer many benefits, including the following:

• They act as barriers between the tooth's surface and plaque, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
• They can be applied in a few minutes, and the procedure is entirely pain-free.
• They reduce the likelihood of your child needing fillings or other treatments, saving you time and money down the road.

The dental sealant process is a quick and painless way to shield your little one's permanent molars from decay. We typically apply sealants during your child's regular dental cleaning appointment whenever possible, maximizing convenience for your busy family.

The dental sealant procedure starts with cleaning and drying the teeth, then placing a material to prepare the tooth and to help the sealant material bond to the tooth enamel. Next, we carefully paint a thin coat of sealant onto the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth and use a curing light to harden the material. Once in place, the sealant forms a protective barrier between the tooth structure and cavity-causing bacteria.

Dental sealants can protect your child's teeth for up to 10 years. However, we will monitor your child's teeth during regular dental exams and may recommend reapplying sealants sooner if we see signs of wear or damage.