Dental Sealants and Oral Health FAQs

Children need every preventive measure available to keep their oral health in top condition, which can include dental sealants. When it comes to children’s dental health, tooth decay remains the leading problem affecting children. The dentist in Phoenix, AZ uses dental sealants to protect a child’s teeth from the harmful effects of cavities. Continue reading to find answers to commonly asked questions.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to help prevent tooth decay. These teeth have grooves and pits (fissures) that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, making them more prone to decay. Dental sealants act as a barrier, sealing off these vulnerable areas and preventing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from accumulating and causing cavities.

How will the dentist apply dental sealants?

The process lasts only a few minutes. The dentist will clean the child’s teeth before applying a conditioning solution over the chewing area. This liquid etches the surface to allow the sealant to adhere to the tooth. The dentist will clean the liquid and paint the sealant over the teeth. Afterward, they will harden it over the tooth using a curing light. After the sealant hardens, it becomes a hard plastic coating, and the patient can chew with their teeth again.

Does the process hurt?

The procedure is not painful. For children who have dental anxiety, the dentist in 85053 will try to make them as comfortable as possible. Placing dental sealants is non-invasive and requires no recovery period.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants are not meant to be a permanent solution, so patients still need to come to the dental office for a routine checkup. The dentist will be able to check if the sealants are intact or compromised. With adequate care, sealants can survive up to nine years or more. If necessary, broken sealants can be restored.

When should someone get sealants?

As soon as the child’s premolars and molars start to come in, parents need to visit the dentist about getting sealants. The earlier the sealants are applied, the earlier they can shield the back teeth from getting tooth decay. The first application of sealants happens when the child is around six, when the first molars develop. After the second set of molars erupt (often around age 12 or 13), then the child can come in for sealants. Call us to learn more.

Can adults also get dental sealants?

Although it is rare, adults who are prone to cavities can also get dental sealants on teeth that have not been filled or previously covered in sealants.

Benefits of Sealants

Dental sealants offer several benefits, including:

• • Preventing cavities: By sealing off the grooves and pits of the teeth, sealants help prevent food particles, plaque, and bacteria from accumulating and causing decay.
  • Easy to apply: The process of applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it suitable for both children and adults.
  • Cost-effective: Dental sealants are a relatively low-cost preventive measure compared to treating cavities and other dental problems that may develop without sealants.
  • Protection during critical years: Sealants are often applied to children's permanent molars soon after they erupt, providing crucial protection during the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence.

Is fluoride still necessary after getting dental sealants?

Yes. Dental sealants are only effective for the surface of the teeth they cover. Fluoride helps protect other areas of the teeth by remineralizing the enamel and fortifying it against cavities.

In conclusion

If you are interested in providing dental sealants for your child to protect their oral health, book a consultation appointment with the dentist. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.