Have you often heard us talk about the need to provide your child with dental sealants but you have never found out any more? Do you feel like we are probably suggesting this preventive option for a good reason but you have realized you don’t know the first thing about what to expect from a sealant or whether placement is urgent? Fortunately, we can say with certainty that sealants have the potential to offer great protection for your child’s growing teeth. However, before we get into the details, we invite you to simply learn more about the basics as you decide whether this preventive treatment is appropriate for your child:
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that we will place over back teeth. The sealant will not cover the entire tooth. Instead, it will cover the chewing surfaces. It will create a barrier between your tooth tissue and plaque or food particles.
Yes, the application process is comfortable. We will prep your child’s tooth by cleaning and drying it before we apply the sealant. We will then gently paint a coating of clear plastic over the back teeth. We will ensure that it sets and dries and the process is complete.
We suggest dental sealants because they protect back teeth. Molars are full of fissures and grooves that offer perfect hiding spaces for food debris and plaque. When left un-brushed and sitting on your teeth, these substances can quickly result in tooth decay. By placing sealants, you protect your child’s teeth that are otherwise difficult to clean from cavities.
Sealants can last up to five to 10 years.
Scott Dooley DDS and our friendly team at Scott Dooley Dentistry proudly serve patients of every age, offering general, cosmetic, restorative, emergency, laser, and sedation dentistry. We proudly serve patients from Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Wylie, Sachse, and surrounding communities. To speak with a friendly member of our team and to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 972.495.8100.