Dental Sealants – Long Beach, NY
Preventing Cavities on the Most Vulnerable Teeth
As a caring parent, you probably have moments when you wish you could put up a shield between your child and things that could harm them. When it comes to protecting their teeth, you can! Dental sealants in Long Beach stop tooth decay from happening in the first place, potentially sparing your child from having to endure unnecessary pain and you from having to pay for costly repairs. Could you or your growing child benefit from dental sealants? Ask Dr. Glen about it at your next visit and contact us to get it scheduled!
Why Choose Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth for Dental Sealants?
- Trusted, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist on Staff
- Family-Friendly, Low-Stress Environment
- Caring Team of Qualified Professionals
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a layer of clear plastic that is applied to the molars, or the large teeth in the back of the mouth that are used primarily for grinding up food. This coating goes on the chewing surface of the molars because that is where bits of food, plaque, and bacteria most easily accumulate. The sealant serves as a barrier keeping the tooth safe from decay. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in children!
Who May Need Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are applied exclusively on the molars because these teeth are the most susceptible to decay. The deep grooves in these teeth can be more challenging to keep clean, especially for younger children learning how to brush independently, so this treatment is particularly beneficial for this age group. Once your child’s permanent molars have erupted (usually around age 6), they become eligible for dental sealants. When you bring your child to visit Dr. Glen regularly, he can keep an eye out for these teeth and recommend the best time to get dental sealants. Even though this treatment is often directed toward children, adults too can benefit from this procedure.
What Happens During Dental Sealants Treatment?
The dental sealant procedure itself is relatively fast, but it can offer up to 10 years of protection against cavities. We start by making sure the tooth is completely clean. Then, we use an acidic solution to create a slightly rough surface that the sealant can more easily adhere to. A thin layer of the clear liquid dental sealant is painted on the chewing surface, and then a curing light is directed on the site to solidify the sealant.
Dental Sealant FAQs
How do sealants fit into a preventive dentistry program?
The reason dental sealants in Long Beach are integrated into a children’s dentistry program is that they help protect molars and premolars during a time when young patients are refining their brushing skills. These teeth are often the hardest to reach, so it’s easy for food and bacteria to burrow and cause problems. By incorporating dental sealants into your child’s oral health journey, our team can reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay while continuing to monitor their smile development.
How long will dental sealants last?
On average, dental sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. You can expect our team to check them at each dental visit to ensure they are still in place and have not worn off. Since the chewing teeth receive sealants, it’s easy for the solution to wear away over time. If we notice this has occurred, we will recommend reapplying to ensure maximum protection.
Do dental sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No, you should make sure your child is continuing to brush and floss their teeth each day. Just because sealants help cover back teeth doesn’t mean that problems cannot occur. Keeping their smile healthy and free of cavities is essential; it’s why brushing twice daily for two minutes and flossing at least once a day are crucial components of a good oral hygiene routine.
If you need help to improve your child’s at-home dental hygiene habits, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Will dental sealants make teeth feel different?
Your child will not notice any change in their bite after receiving dental sealants. This is because the solution used is very thin and designed to fill only the pits and grooves of the back teeth. Although the tooth may feel bulkier initially, normal chewing will help it feel normal within a few days as the sealant settles into place.