What are Sealants?

Keeping children’s teeth clean can be quite a challenge. They simply don’t have the dexterity to clean those back molars well, or they may rush through the brushing process. This fact usually means they don’t do a good job of brushing those molars. Unfortunately, those teeth are full of ridges that can trap food and increase the risk of cavities. Sealants provide an option to protect your child’s teeth from this risk while they are learning to properly brush and care for those teeth.

How Sealants Work

Dental sealants add a protective coating to the chewing surface of the patient’s back molars. Using this treatment prevents those rough surfaces from getting filled with food and bacteria. This treatment is a valuable preventive dental treatment that can protect against cavities.

How Sealants Are Applied

If your child’s dentist in Oklahoma City, OK, believes that sealants will help your child, the appointment is fairly easy. It starts with thoroughly cleaning the teeth, followed by applying a mild acidic gel. This prepares the surface of the tooth and causes no pain. The dentist then rinses away the gel, dries the tooth, and paints the liquid sealant on the top of the tooth. A special light helps harden and cure the sealant, and your child is free to go. There is no discomfort or healing time necessary, and the teeth continue to function normally, with less risk of cavities.

Talk to Your Child’s Dentist About Sealants Today

Sealants can protect your child from tooth decay and other serious oral health risks. If you’re curious about these procedures, reach out to the team at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry to schedule a consultation to discuss sealants.