Dental Sealants 101: Everything You Need to Know
Dental Sealants
BY DR. AZI A. ARDAKANI, DDS
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is essential for keeping your little one's smile healthy and bright. However, there are deep grooves and crevices on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars that are more challenging for the bristles of a toothbrush to clean, especially for younger children. Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry is pleased to offer dental sealants to lower the risk of tooth decay and promote long-term dental health.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, white or clear liquid resin coatings we apply to the grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, known as the molars and premolars. Once in place, they provide protection and act as barriers to food and bacteria. Dental sealants offer an excellent preventive measure, significantly lowering the risk of cavities in the treated areas.
When Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants Placed?
Most dental professionals recommend placing sealants soon after the first and second sets of premolars and molars come in, around age six, and later, around age twelve. That helps prevent tooth decay and keeps the teeth healthy right from its eruption. If your child has missed the six or 12-year mark, it's never too late to take advantage of the benefits of dental sealants.
What Is the Procedure for Placing Dental Sealants?
The dental sealant procedure is quick and painless and does not require anesthesia or a dental drill. We typically start by cleaning the chewing surfaces of your child's molars and premolars and placing an etching solution to sanitize the area and help the sealant bond. Next, we apply the sealant onto the prepared tooth surfaces using a small, soft brush to ensure it flows right into the grooves. The last step is using a curing light to harden the material.
The entire procedure takes a few minutes for each tooth to complete. Keep in mind that dental sealants may need touch-ups or may need replacement in the future. However, studies show that even if a tooth's sealant is lost, protective benefits remain deep in the grooves and crevices.
Caring for Dental Sealants
It's important to continue maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Encourage your little one to avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that can damage the sealant material and chip or fracture the tooth enamel.
It's also important to visit Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry for routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Azi and her dedicated team will ensure your little hero's dental sealants and oral health stay in tip-top shape.
Dental Sealants Near Me in Laguna Hills, CA
Dr. Azi and our dedicated team at Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry are proponents of prevention as the first line of defense against tooth decay. We believe in the value of dental sealants as a powerful preventive tool for maintaining healthy, cavity-free smiles. We invite you to call our office at 949-342-1484 to schedule your little hero's appointment or request one online today!
