Pediatric Sealants in Greenville NC | Greenville NC Pediatric Sealants

A young child with a joyful expression, making a fist with both hands and standing against a neutral background.

Dental Sealants

At Casey Dental, we understand that maintaining a healthy smile is a top priority for parents and their children. One of the most effective ways to protect your child's teeth from decay is through dental sealants. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%.

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth. They fill in the pits, fissures, and grooves on these teeth, creating a barrier that seals out harmful bacteria and food particles. This helps prevent decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.

Sealants are typically applied to children's teeth as soon as their permanent molars erupt, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. However, adults can also benefit from sealants if they don't have any decay or fillings in their molars.

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants offer numerous benefits for both children and adults:

Preventive Care: Sealants help prevent decay from forming, reducing the need for fillings or other restorative procedures.
Cost-Effective: The cost of applying a dental sealant is far less than the cost of treating a cavity. By preventing decay, sealants can save you money in the long run.
Pain-Free Application: Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless process that requires no drilling or anesthesia.
Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, dental sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied. They are strong and durable, able to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.

How Dental Sealants Are Applied

The application of dental sealants is a simple, painless process that typically takes just a few minutes per tooth:

Tooth Preparation: The tooth is cleaned and dried. A cotton roll or other isolation material may be used to keep the area dry.
Etching: An etching solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the tooth, creating tiny grooves that help the sealant bond more effectively.
Rinsing and Drying: The etching solution is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again.
Sealant Application: The dental sealant material is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the tooth. It bonds directly to the tooth enamel.
Curing: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant, making it durable and long-lasting.

Caring for Dental Sealants

Dental sealants require no special care beyond regular oral hygiene. Here are some tips for keeping your child's dental sealants in good condition:

Brush Regularly: Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris.
Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can't reach.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pencils, or eating sticky foods like caramels or taffy, can damage dental sealants.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups: During your child's regular dental checkups, we'll examine the condition of their dental sealants and reapply them if necessary.

Dental Sealants at Casey Dental

At Casey Dental, we're committed to helping our young patients maintain healthy smiles for life. That's why we offer dental sealants as part of our preventive dentistry services. Our experienced team uses only the highest quality materials and follows best practices to ensure that your child's dental sealants provide maximum protection against decay.

If you have any questions about dental sealants or would like to schedule an appointment for your child, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help!