PEDIATRIC SEALANTS

Taking Your Kid To The Pediatric Dentist For The First Time: What To Expect

Sealants help prevent decay by protecting the surface of the teeth, especially the back teeth where brushing can be more difficult for children. They are made of a clear, liquid resin that hardens when a special light is shined on it. This creates a smooth, hard surface that prevents food from settling in the grooves of your child’s back teeth.

Research has shown that sealants can reduce a child’s risk of decay in treated teeth by up to 80%. The CDC has even weighed in, stating that children without dental sealants may be 3 times more likely to develop decay in the same teeth than children with sealants.

HOW ARE SEALANTS PLACED?

First, the tooth or teeth are washed, dried, and isolated with either cotton rolls or a rubber dam. Then the teeth are etched with a special gel that roughens the teeth, so the sealant material has a rough surface to adhere to.

Once that is rinsed off, the sealant material is flowed into the grooves of the teeth and light cured. When all the teeth have been treated, our doctors check for rough edges and makes sure floss can pass between the teeth.

Generally speaking, there are no side effects with dental sealants unless your child is allergic to one of the ingredients in the resin material, which is extremely rare.

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CARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S SEALANTS

Sealants are sturdy and should last up to 10 years, but may need replacing sooner, depending on your child’s lifestyle. Avoiding chewing on ice and hard candy can prolong their life and prevent chipping which might allow decay to sneak in and rot the tooth from the inside. Our doctors will monitor your child’s sealants at each visit to make sure they are still intact.

While sealants don’t eliminate the need for proper homecare such as flossing and brushing twice daily, they can offer some protection and can even stop minor decay from developing further.

‘‘ The doctors are very conscientious attentive and considerate of their patients. The work that they do is high quality and they take great pride in their work as well as in pleasing their clients. The staff is also very compassionate and considerate and attentive. Very nice experience. Highly recommend this facility for your dental needs. I have been seeing this doctor with my family for 20 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. ’’
Jennifer McCarroll

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH​

Once the sealant is placed on the tooth, with proper care, brushing and a healthy diet, the sealants can last anywhere from four to eight years! Every 6 months when your child comes in for a cleaning, we’ll check the sealants and make sure that they’re in good shape and let you know if any of them need to be replaced.
Dental sealants are ideal for kids aged between five and 14 years. The moment your child’s first permanent molars appear, you need to ask your dentist about dental sealants.
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food. Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material.

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A healthy smile is a beautiful smile.