How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Because children don't quite know the value of good dental hygiene, they're often prone to dental problems. The most common culprit is tooth decay that comes from sugars and food debris. We all try our best to teach our kids how to care for their teeth, but sometimes we need a little extra help. Dental sealants are a great addition to any oral care routine as they provide extra, long-lasting protection to their most vulnerable teeth during a simple, pain-free procedure.

kid in dentist chair

What are dental sealants?

We use dental sealants to help protect a tooth from decay. Decay happens when sugars and bacteria erode the enamel of tooth. This ultimately leads to sensitivity, pain, and cavities. When we apply a dental sealant, we paint a thin layer of protective shielding that stops food and germs from damaging teeth. When applied, the sealant gets into the dips and grooves of a tooth to form a strong protective shield . Dental sealants provide excellent protection for your child's teeth and we recommend them as part of your standard oral healthcare routine.

Why does my child need them?

Applying a sealant to your child's tooth helps prevent cavities. Cavities can be painful and treating them often means drilling into the tooth to remove the decay and then filling it with filling materials like composite or amalgam. With dental sealants, the procedure is painless and helps prevent your child having to undergo treatment for cavities. It also preserves and protects these teeth in their vital early stages of development to help ensure healthier teeth later in life.
We usually apply sealants to molars between the ages of 6 to 12 as different teeth grow in. At 6, we apply sealants to the first molars and at 12 we apply it to the second molars.   In special cases, we might apply sealants in younger children to help keep their baby teeth healthy.

What happens when you get dental sealant applied?

It's a quick and easy process . First, we clean the biting surface of the teeth to remove any germs or feed debris. Next, we rinse and dry the tooth to ensure a clean surface. After that, we apply a mild acid solution to add rough texture for the sealant to hold on to and we rinse again. Next, we paint the sealant onto the biting surface of the tooth and cure it with a light so that it stays in place and strong.

Does it hurt?

No. Because the sealant is painted on, there is no getting close to the nerve that cause sensitivity and pain.

How long do they last?

Dental sealants are long lasting. They can protect your child's teeth for up to 10 years . Dental sealants prevent against 80% of cavities for 2 years and 50% of cavities for 4 years.   Remember that dental sealants are only part of your child's oral health routine. You still need to help them brush and use mouthwash to fight cavities in their other teeth. 

How do I get them?

We'll either recommend sealants for your child during one of our routine checkups, or you can ask us about getting them. 

 At Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry  , we're always happy to help you and your child care for their teeth and we strive to provide the best care. Dr. Wayne Dobbins leads our team of professionals who offer a wide range of dental and orthodontic services. We're proud to offer our services to the Kansas City area. You can visit us at one of two locations in Overland Park, KS and Shawnee, KS. Contact us  today or make an appointment online . 

 

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