Dental Sealants in Farmington, NM
Back teeth, or molars, are susceptible to developing cavities because they’re difficult to brush and floss, especially for children. Cavities in molars may go undetected until a dental exam unless they cause a toothache. This is another reason parents need to bring their children in for six-month exams and cleanings at Smiles 4 Kids. When we find tooth decay in the early stage, it’s easier, less invasive, and less costly to treat. Early treatment also prevents more serious dental issues from developing.
Dental sealants are one effective way we combat cavities in children’s molars. Treatment is quick and comfortable, and the benefits last for years!
DID YOU KNOW?
Most cavities occur in the back of the mouth, in molars. Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities on molars over two years (CDC). Impressive!
About Dental Sealants
About half of the children we treat get dental sealants on permanent molars. Studies show that children with dental sealants have fewer toothaches, miss less school due to dental issues, and have fewer cavities overall. Kiddos without dental sealants have about three times more cavities than those with sealants.
Our team can place sealants on molars as soon as the teeth come in, but before cavities develop. First molars, called six-year molars, usually arrive in a child between the ages of five and seven years. Second molars erupt between ages 11 and 14, and we call them 12-year molars.
Dental sealants have been used since the 1970s. Made of resin or glass ionomer, dental sealants are a plastic-like coating that we paint onto clean molars. Once the liquid hardens, it provides a physical barrier against acid erosion, tooth decay, and any resulting complications.
Dental sealants have been shown to last nine years or longer, but they may need replacement if they become damaged or fall off. In this case, we’ll notice during the six-month exam and replace the sealants at that visit.
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
All parents want their children to have healthy teeth, and sealants provide a proven method to deter cavities on molars.
We recommend all children get dental sealants on their molars as soon as the teeth erupt. We’ll talk with you about the benefits of dental sealants and answer all your questions at your child’s dental exam and cleaning appointment.
How Sealants Are Applied
The process of applying sealants causes no pain or discomfort and takes a short time. Here are the steps:
- Clean the tooth
- Apply a special gel to the chewing surface
- Rinse and dry the tooth
- Paint on the clear or tooth-colored sealant
- Cure the sealant with a special light or air
Prevent Children’s Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants
Does your child have dental sealants yet? If not, contact our children’s dental office in Farmington and schedule an appointment for this non-invasive treatment. We can’t wait to see you!
