Dental Sealants
At North Orange Family Dentistry, we consider that an ounce of
cavity prevention is worth a pound of cavity fillings. That's why we recommend dental sealants for children and teenagers and even adults in some cases.
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is made of a thin layer of clear plastic typically painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. This coating fills in hard to clean grooves of the teeth, blocking out plaque and food, which can damage the tooth enamel and create cavities. Sealants have been under constant improvement since the 1970s and are approved by the ADA.
What is the process for applying dental sealants?
Depending on the number of teeth to be sealed, Dr. Bogan can finish the procedure in only 10-30 minutes. Applying sealants is completely painless, so your kids will be able to leave our office with a genuine smile. And hopefully the sealant will keep them from needing a cavity filling for a long time to come.
The actual appointment will include these basic steps:
- We start by thoroughly checking the teeth for any signs of decay.
- Then, we clean whichever teeth will be sealed; after the cleaning, we dry the area to ensure an effective working surface for the dentist.
- Dr. Bogan places solution on the surface of the teeth to help the sealant bond onto the tooth.
- We then place the sealant directly onto the tooth enamel where it hardens; sometimes a curing light is used to assist with the hardening process.
Dental sealants can stay in tact as long as 10 years, but we'll want to check them for possible damage at your
regular check-ups with us.
Who needs dental sealants?
Statistically, children between the ages of 6 and 14 are at the highest risk for cavities. So it makes sense to seal their adult teeth as soon as they come in. Adults can also benefit from dental sealants if you don't have tooth decay or fillings in your existing molars. In some cases, sealants can be helpful for smaller children with their baby teeth.
Dr. Bogan recommends bringing your child in as soon as his or her adult teeth begin to erupt. We'll watch their progress and determine which premolars and molars are ready to be sealed so they can keep their new teeth healthy as long as possible.
If you would like to learn how you can prevent cavities with dental sealants for you or your children, contact North Orange Family Dentistry to
schedule your appointment today.