Dental Sealants – Brandon, SD
An Easy Way to Protect Your Child from Cavities
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and when it comes to children’s dentistry, this is undeniably true. That’s why our team offers a wide range of preventive services for kids, with very few that are as important as dental sealants. To learn more about this highly effective preventive service or to schedule an appointment for your child, please feel free to reach out today!
Why Choose Neighborhood Dental – Brandon for Dental Sealants?
- Two Dedicated & Experienced Dentists Under One Roof
- Dental Insurance Welcome & Financing Available
- We Proudly See Children with Special Needs
What Are Dental Sealants?
Unfortunately, most children still haven’t completely mastered their oral hygiene routine, and won’t until they’re older, meaning that they’re extra vulnerable to dental issues like cavities. This is where dental sealants come in handy! Dental sealants are thin coatings that we place on the chewing surfaces of teeth, specifically, the back molars that have grooved and pitted surfaces.
By covering these surfaces, sealants can effectively block out any food particles or bacteria that might otherwise accumulate on these teeth and begin fueling decay. Sealants are made out of a clear, plastic material that’s perfectly safe, color-matched to the teeth, and able to withstand the daily pressure of biting and chewing. They usually last for 5 to 10 years.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure, with absolutely no drilling or numbing necessary—which is something children can certainly smile about. To get started, the teeth are cleaned before a special solution is applied to ensure the sealants bond properly. It’s then time to “paint” the sealants onto the teeth using a special instrument, and from there, a special curing light is used to harden the material into place over them. This whole process takes mere minutes, and your child will be able to eat and drink normally following their appointment.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are often ideal for children and teens, for a few reasons. Mainly, younger patients don’t have quite as much practice or knowledge when it comes to oral hygiene, not to mention their consistent hygiene habits might not be fully developed, so having a little extra cavity protection can go a very long way. Plus, since the process is so quick, painless, and can be completed following a routine checkup, it’s a small amount of effort for a very large amount of protection.
That said, adult patients can also benefit from receiving dental sealants for the same reasons. During an evaluation with our team, we’ll speak to both you and your child and dental sealants, explain the process, and be sure you both understand their benefits as well as how to care for them.