Pediatric Dental Sealants
What Are Sealants?
Sealants are a protective treatment that helps to reduce your child’s risk of getting cavities. Essentially, they are thin barriers that fill in the deep grooves and pits of molars (back teeth) which tend to be more prone to decay.
Which Teeth Should be Sealed?
Usually, our dentists recommend sealing permanent molars right after eruption. This time frame tends to be around the ages of 6 and 12, when the first and second sets of molars come in. Ages may vary a year or two, depending on the child.
What to Expect
Getting sealants is something that we usually add onto a routine checkup and cleaning appointment, if the time is right. The preventative procedure only takes a few minutes and no numbing or drilling is needed! We prep your child’s tooth by using a special conditioner to gently roughen the surface. After rinsing it away, the tooth is thoroughly dried. Finally, the sealant is applied in the grooves, and dries on its own or is cured with a bright light. Encourage your child to steer clear of sticky foods, which could cause the sealant to pull off. They aren’t permanent like fillings! If we see that the sealants need to be touched up, we’ll do so when your child is here for their regular cleaning appointment. Be sure to floss daily, as sealants don’t protect between the teeth.
Is Your Child’s Smile Ready for Sealants?
Book their six-month checkup today to find out!
