Sealants
What are Sealants?
Sealants are thin, clear coatings that are applied to your child’s back teeth. These coatings help to fill in the grooves and fissures of the back teeth that are often more susceptible to tooth decay. It can be difficult to keep these back teeth perfectly clean, and this is why we often recommend sealants. The beauty about sealants is that they can last for anywhere from one to three years, and they can be reapplied as needed.
Why might Sealants be needed?
If you look at your back teeth, you’ll notice that there are many grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These areas are typically more prone to decay because the grooves allow for food and plaque to get stuck. With kids, these areas are often the most commonly affected, and it is important to protect these back teeth to prevent instances of decay. This can easily be done through the use of dental sealants.
What makes your child a good candidate for Sealants?
Most children are good candidates for sealants. In fact, both children as well as teens can benefit from this preventative approach. The procedure is quite easy and takes just minutes in our office. Because sealants last for years, your child will have long-term protection against tooth decay and the need for eventual fillings, root canals or extractions.
What can be expected during the Sealant process?
The sealant process will begin by cleaning and drying the back teeth. We then brush a clear varnish over the teeth. This varnish is applied only to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth in order to keep them protected. The next step is to cure the sealants in place using a bright light. The process is then repeated until all back teeth are covered and protected. We can check on your child’s sealants at each checkup visit, and we will be able to reapply them as needed.
If you would like to have your child come in for dental sealants, call us today to speak with one of our trained professional team members.
