Why Choose Woodland Pediatric Dentistry for Dental Sealants?
- Gentle Dentist & Team
- Painless & Fast Treatment
- Long-Lasting Cavity Prevention
Dental Sealants – Marietta, GA
Stop Cavities Before They Start
Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common illnesses among children? That fact is sad because cavities are largely preventable! Our pediatric dental team in Marietta wants to help spare your little one from the discomfort and other consequences that can come with tooth decay. One way in which we can do so is by placing dental sealants. This simple and fast treatment has the potential to stop cavities before they start!
Why Do Children Need Dental Sealants?
We strongly recommend dental sealants for children for the following reasons:
- The enamel on primary (baby) teeth tends to be thin. Therefore, it can be easier for acidic plaque to damage it. (Depending on your child’s unique situation, we might wait until they receive their permanent teeth to start placing sealants. We always strive to customize care for each unique patient.)
- Children gravitate toward cavity-causing foods. Many foods and beverages that are marketed to children are full of sugar and acids. Fruit juices, sodas, candies, and more all fall into this category.
- Children are still working on their oral hygiene routine. It can take some time for your child to develop the motor skills and good habits that are necessary to stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine. Sealants can protect their teeth while they are still mastering the nuances of effective brushing and flossing.
How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?
A dental sealant is a clear plastic barrier that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of teeth (usually just the molars and premolars). The sealants prevent things like sugar and starches from settling into the deep grooves on teeth, where they might otherwise get stuck and start to contribute to decay.
The American Dental Association recommends that children receive sealants when they are 5 – 7 years of age, and again between the ages of 11 – 14, which is when their permanent molars start to erupt.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
The process of placing dental sealants is easy, fast, and painless. Here is a walkthrough of how it usually works:
- Sealants are often placed during a patient’s routine preventive appointment, so their teeth should be freshly cleaned when we start the sealant process.
- We rinse and dry the tooth before using a small brush to paint the sealant into place.
- A special curing light hardens the sealant in a matter of seconds.
- We check to make sure that the sealant is comfortable and is not interfering with your child’s bite. After we make any necessary final adjustments, the sealant process is finished!
Sealants will not change the appearance of your child’s smile, and they are durable enough to last for a few years!
Your child should not have to put up with cavities and their consequences! Get in touch with our Marietta team to find out if dental sealants are right for your little one.
Dental Sealants FAQ
Are Dental Sealants Necessary?
Based on research from the American Dental Association, only around half of children between ages 6 and 19 have received sealants to protect their teeth. This preventive dental treatment is incredibly important, especially for patients who have permanent teeth that are not yet fully erupted. By placing dental sealants on your child’s affected teeth, we can help protect the top surfaces of their molars from bacteria and decay, which can typically increase the risk of cavities.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Dental sealants are considered a preventive measure for protecting growing and adult teeth alike, so they’re very safe. The material used is also biocompatible, meaning it should not be harmful to the body. It’s also highly unlikely that the sealant will come off easily and create complications in your child’s mouth. In rare cases, a patient may experience slight sensitivity to the material because they’re allergic to it, which is why it’s important to undergo a consultation first. Our team will evaluate your little one’s oral health and any medical conditions so that we can create the proper plan for keeping their smile safe from cavities.
Will Dental Sealant Placement Hurt My Child’s Teeth?
Unlike many of our other treatment services, we typically won’t even need to provide a local anesthetic to keep your child safe and comfortable during dental sealant placement. The process usually begins with us cleaning their tooth to get rid of any debris and plaque before painting the sealant onto their enamel. Placing the material takes about a minute for each tooth, and most people won’t even be able to tell the difference after the procedure. This means your child can make the most of the benefits of sealants while feeling free to show off their pearly whites.
How Long Will Dental Sealants Last?
In many cases, dental sealants can help protect your child’s smile from bacteria and cavities for several years before needing to be replaced. With proper cleaning every day as well as routine dental checkups and cleanings with their dentist, the results can even last up to a decade! That’s why you’ll need to help your child practice proper preventive measures at home (along with taking them to their dental checkups and cleanings every six months) so that they can get in the habit of maintaining their sealants as well as their oral health for the rest of their life.