Dental Sealants 101: Everything You Need to Know

At Smiley Kids Dental, we are more than just about treating cavities. We aim to prevent tooth decay before it ever develops. We are pleased to offer comprehensive preventive solutions for children in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding communities, including dental sealants, to keep tooth decay at bay. The following is a look at how dental sealants can safeguard your child’s smile.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Your child’s back teeth, called the premolars and molars, have natural pits and crevices where food debris and bacteria can become trapped, making them prone to developing cavities. Even with the best brushing and flossing, it can be challenging to clean these teeth effectively. 

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings we apply to these chewing surfaces to fill in every groove and crevice, creating a smoother surface and sealing out food particles and bacteria. Dental sealants have been proven to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities, preventing pain, discomfort, and complications down the road.

When Should Your Child Have Sealants Placed?

We typically recommend dental sealant placement when the first permanent molars emerge, around age six, and the second set comes in, around age 12. This way, your child’s teeth can stay cavity-free from the start. If, however, you miss these milestones, it’s never too late to apply dental sealants, as long as your child’s teeth are free from cavities. Sealing your child’s teeth offers long-term benefits, providing an invaluable preventive measure for children, teens, and young adults.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied? 

The dental sealant application process is quick, simple, and pain-free, requiring no numbing or drilling. We typically start by cleaning and drying your child’s teeth and applying a special gel to roughen their chewing surfaces, which helps the sealant material bond. 

Next, we will rinse and dry your child’s teeth once again before painting on the sealant material and using a special curing light to harden it. The entire process takes a few minutes to complete, leaving your child with a protective coating that significantly lowers the risk of cavities.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants? 

The following are some of the key benefits of dental sealants: 

• Cavity Prevention: They act as a barrier to “seal out” food particles and bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of decay on molars.
• Saving You Money: Sealants are more affordable and less invasive than traditional filling or other restorative procedures.
• Quick and Painless: The application process is non-invasive, requires no drilling or shots, and is completed in a matter of minutes.
• Protects Vulnerable Teeth: Sealants are ideal for children’s newly erupted molars and for teens and young adults with deep grooves in their teeth.

Dental sealants can protect your little one’s teeth for several years with proper care. We do, however, recommend keeping up with regular dental exams to allow us to monitor the condition of your child’s sealants and reapply them if necessary.

Dental Sealants Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Ready to learn more about protecting your child’s smile against cavities? Our friendly team at Smiley Kids Dental will outline the benefits of dental sealants and help you determine whether they are right for your child. We strive to lay the foundation for a lifetime of beautiful, pain-free smiles. We invite you to call (602) 858-8400 to schedule your child’s appointment or request one online today.