Think of dental sealants like a raincoat – they protect your child’s teeth from decay and everyday wear and tear. Sealants are applied directly to the chewing surface to protect the nooks and crannies in your child’s teeth from bacteria and an acidic environment. They decrease the risk of cavities by creating a protective layer on the tooth’s crown. At Dr. Kwon Pediatric Dentistry, our dental team uses sealants to help your child achieve healthy, cavity-free smiles for life.
Applying Dental Sealants
The application process of a sealant is quick and painless. First, the tooth is cleaned, conditioned, and dried. We simply “paint” the sealants on a clean, dry tooth surface. The sealant material flows into the pits and grooves of the tooth and is hardened with a special light. We can do this in one office visit during a routine cleaning. Your child can return to school and eat normally shortly after the sealant has dried and hardened.
Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair when necessary.
How Helpful are Dental Sealants for Kids?
Sealants are virtually invisible and play an important role in a child’s preventive dental care. Our pediatric dentists make sure the sealant gets in all the grooves in your child’s molars during application to add another layer of defense against cavities. Once applied, a sealant can help prevent tooth decay for five to 10 years.
Dental Sealant FAQs
Are Sealants Covered by Insurance?
Yes, most insurance companies do cover dental sealants under preventative care! Depending on your insurance company, coverage may vary. Some companies put an age restriction on the coverage for sealants or only cover sealants on specific teeth. Talk to your pediatric dentist and your insurance company about the costs of sealants and coverage.
Do Sealants Need to Be Reapplied?
Most sealants should provide protection for five to 10 years. Sometimes sealants will need to be reapplied, but your pediatric dentist will check your child’s sealants at their regular visits and will evaluate if a sealant needs to be reapplied or repaired.
Should My Child Continue to Brush and Floss After the Dentist Applies Sealants?
Yes! Your child should continue to brush and floss as they did before sealants. Dental sealants only provide one layer of protection. The most effective way to protect your child’s teeth is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Make sure your child is brushing, flossing, and, if they’re over the age of six, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash. Continue to schedule dental cleanings every six months and offer your child healthy snacks and a balanced, nutritious diet.