does my child
need dental sealants
Most kids can benefit from dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin layers of transparent, liquid dental resin that are applied directly to your child’s rear teeth, and are then hardened using a UV light to create a strong barrier.
This barrier prevents bacteria, acid, and other debris from contacting their enamel directly, preventing the formation of cavities. This is very important, since cavities are the #1 most common preventable childhood disease in kids of all ages.
Whether or not your child has had a cavity in the past, dental sealants from Dr. Leslie Butler at Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry can protect them from cavities in the future. The process is fast and non-invasive, and is usually covered by dental insurance, so contact us now to schedule an appointment at our office.
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what to expect from the
the dental sealant process
Teeth cleaning – Dental sealants are usually done as part of a routine six-month teeth cleaning and oral exam. This ensures that your child’s teeth are healthy and strong, and that the sealant material will be able to bond to their teeth properly.
Preparing for sealants – To prepare each tooth for sealants, a very mild acid will be used to gently roughen the enamel. This allows the resin material to bond properly to the enamel, and provides a longer lifespan for the sealant treatment.
Sealant application – Each tooth is rinsed and dried, and then the sealant liquid is painted onto the tooth thoroughly. Dr. Sholander or Dr. Goodman will make sure the resin covers every groove, pit, and nook in your child’s tooth for maximum protection.
UV hardening – Once the sealant has been applied, a UV light will be used to harden the resin. This UV light activates the chemicals inside the resin, turning it from a liquid into a durable, solid barrier.
how long do
dental sealants last?
Dental sealants usually provide protection against cavities for at least 3-5 years, and some patients may keep their sealants for up to 10 years, so they are one of the best, most long-lasting methods of protecting your little one from cavities.
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how often does My
child need dental sealants
In most cases, dentists will apply the first set of dental sealants around the age of 6, when your child’s first molars come out. Then, they will apply another set of dental sealants to their second molars when they emerge, which typically happens around the age of 12.
However, your child may need to get dental sealants more or less frequently depending on the specifics of their situation. We will check their sealants during every six-month visit at Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry to make sure they’re in good shape, and to determine if they need to be replaced.