Sealants Specialist

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are invisible plastic coatings that your dentist places on the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars and premolars to help protect them from decay. They don’t replace proper brushing and oral hygiene, and fluoride is still recommended to help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel, but sealants are another effective tool you can use to help prevent early tooth decay.  

Why are sealants used on molars?

Molars and premolars are often more susceptible to decay because they contain grooves and tiny fissures on the chewing surface where plaque and its cavity-causing bacteria can accumulate. Even with the best brushing techniques and other good oral hygiene practices, it’s very difficult to completely remove these harmful substances.

Dental sealants prevent bacteria from hiding out in these naturally-occurring irregularities by sealing the grooves and fissures. They also create a microscopically smoother surface that’s often easier for your child to clean.    

When are dental sealants applied?

Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent premolars and molars once the teeth have erupted completely through the gums. Because permanent teeth don’t all erupt at the same time and sealants are applied as soon as a tooth reaches the correct growth stage, sealants may be a part of your child’s routine dental care until age 11-13.

Does it hurt to have dental sealants?

No. It’s a painless process that doesn’t require any numbing. As with any dental procedure, however, your child may be feeling anxious about having sealants placed. The dental professionals at Creative Dimension take care to create trusting relationships with all their patients and that’s especially true with children. They ease anxiety with careful, age-appropriate explanations and engaging personalities that help keep your child (and you) comfortable during the procedure.

How is dental sealant applied?

After thoroughly polishing and prepping the tooth, your dentist or hygienist brushes the sealant onto the chewing surface of the targeted molar and then cures (hardens) the sealant by shining ultraviolet light on the tooth for about 30 seconds.

For excellent dental care that’s provided in a warm and welcoming environment, call Creative Dimensions in Dentistry today to schedule an appointment, or use their convenient online service to book your child’s visit.