What Are Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are essentially transparent coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the molars (back teeth). These sealants are made of a plastic resin material and will smooth out the surfaces of these teeth that are normally grooved and uneven.

 

Why Are Sealants Beneficial?

Sealants are incredibly beneficial because they can help prevent tooth decay in the molars. Because molars have large grooves with many crevices in them, they’re likely to attract and trap food particles, which will eventually lead to decay. Even with persistent brushing, it can be difficult to dislodge food that’s trapped there. When sealants are used to smooth out these chewing surfaces, they’ll prevent food from getting stuck there and causing damage over time.

 

How Our Pediatric Dentists Apply A Sealant

Since there aren’t any nerves in tooth enamel, this is a completely painless procedure. First, your pediatric dentist will check for any tooth decay. If any is found, it will be gently removed. The teeth will be rinsed and then thoroughly cleaned and dried. The sealant will be painted onto the teeth in liquid form. Either with the use of a special curing light or just by drying on its own, the sealant will harden and smooth out the grooves in the teeth.

 

The great news about sealants is that taking care of them is really no different than taking care of any other teeth. Just make sure that your child consistently brushes, flosses, and maintain regular visits to his or her kid's dentist. Your pediatric dentist will regularly check the sealants for any wear and tear. With proper care, the sealants should last for about ten years.

 

Schedule a Visit Today!

Good dental habits are best established by an early age, and Growing Smiles is excited to be a part of such an important milestone in your child’s life. With offices in St. Clair Shores and Chesterfield, we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away! You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of your child's beautiful smile!