What Are Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants for children are a protective coating applied to the molars that keep bacteria from settling in the nooks and crannies of the teeth’s surface. By forming a type of barrier on chewing surfaces, dental sealants can prevent early tooth decay and cavities from forming.
A recent study found that children who did not have dental sealants had three times as many cavities as kids whose teeth were treated with sealants. The study results also show that kids between 6 and 11 may benefit most from this preventative treatment. However, pediatric dentists may also recommend sealants for younger or older kids.
Dental Sealant Material
Dental sealants are usually made of durable resins, medical-grade glass ionomers, or a combination of other materials.
- Dental sealant resin: This strong material is a type of plastic with a tooth-colored appearance — it bonds to the tooth using a curing light
- Glass ionomers: Made of a mixture of water, polymeric acid, and glass powder, this material forms a paste that hardens within minutes
Dental Sealant Application Process
Dental sealants are a quick and painless treatment that only takes a few minutes to apply. Here’s what you can expect if your child gets dental sealants:
- Teeth cleaning: First, your child’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth’s surface and under the gum line
- Etching solution: Before applying the sealants, a special solution is painted onto the tooth to etch and roughen its surface
- Rinse and dry: The dentist will then rinse and dry the molars with air and gauze
- Sealant material: After the tooth is dry, the sealant material is applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the molar to bond directly to the tooth
- Harden the sealant: Depending on the material used in the sealant, your child’s dentist may use a curing light to harden and bond it
- Monitoring: The dentist will follow up and check the sealants during routine dental exams and cleanings
Is there a cash-pay dentist near you? Yes! Contact Absolute Dental for an appointment
