Let’s Talk About Dental Sealants

If you’ve ever taken your child to a pediatric dentist, odds are you’ve heard about sealants. You might remember getting them as a kid or as an adult. Sealants are important because they reduce the risk of cavities by around 80%. 

At Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, our family dentists and orthodontists encourage getting sealants for better dental health now and in the future. Our quality dental sealants protect the molars, which are especially susceptible to cavities and decay because their grooves can be difficult to clean. 

If you’re considering sealants, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we discuss the benefits and what you can expect while getting them. 

When kids should get sealants

Sealants aren’t just for kids — adults can also get them. However, the earlier you get them, the more protection they offer. Our team performs a detailed exam and may take X-rays before recommending sealants. 

Typically, dentists recommend that kids get sealants as soon as molars emerge. Most children get their first molars around age six and their second set around age 12. Sealing these teeth as quickly as possible helps your child avoid cavities so they won’t need fillings at an early age. 

Why kids should get sealants

Sealants prevent cavities, but how do they do it? A sealant is a coating that covers the chewing surfaces of molars. The sealants fill gaps and ridges in the molar so food, debris, and bacteria are less likely to get lodged in the grooves. 

Sealants also make it easier to clean your molars. Preventing cavities with sealants reduces your risk of cavities and costly fillings.  

What your child can expect while getting sealants

If your child has an upcoming sealant appointment, they can expect an easy and pain-free procedure in our office. Sealants start in liquid form and are applied with a brush.

First, we thoroughly clean your child’s teeth to eliminate any lingering food particles and bacteria. After thoroughly drying the teeth, we apply a special gel to the tooth’s surface to make it rough. A rough surface helps the sealant stick to the tooth. After rinsing and re-drying the tooth, we coat the sealant onto it before hardening it with a curing light. 

Our team closely monitors your child’s teeth during every checkup. We determine if or when your child needs sealants reapplied. 

Typically, sealants protect teeth for several years before wearing down. To help them last as long as possible, encourage your child to avoid biting down on solid objects like ice cubes, popcorn seeds, hard candies, or pencils. 

Get in touch for sealants today

Hendricks Dental Specialists proudly offers protective sealants for the whole family. Call our office or request an appointment online to see if you need sealants today.