What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the grooves of your child’s molars and premolars. These back teeth have deep crevices where food and bacteria love to hide, making them prime spots for cavities. Sealants work like a shield, sealing out debris and bacteria to keep those hard-to-reach areas safe and healthy.
Why Choose Sealants for Kids?
We recommend sealants as an easy, effective way to protect developing teeth. Since children’s enamel is softer and more vulnerable to decay, sealants offer added protection during critical years. Here’s why families love them:
- Cavity Prevention: By covering chewing surfaces, sealants make it easier to keep molars clean and dramatically lower cavity risk.
- Quick and Comfortable: The application takes just minutes and is completely painless. Most kids don’t even realize it’s done!
- Budget-Friendly: Sealants are much less expensive than fillings, and we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit to make prevention affordable.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With good care, sealants last several years and are checked at every routine visit to ensure they stay strong.
When Should Kids Get Sealants?
We usually apply sealants when the first molars erupt (around age 6) and again when the second set comes in (around age 12). In some cases, if a child is at higher risk of cavities or has deep grooves, we may apply them earlier. Every treatment plan is customized for your child’s needs.
How We Apply Dental Sealants in Dripping Springs
- Examination & Cleaning: We examine your child’s molars and clean them thoroughly to prepare for the sealants.
- Drying & Isolation: Cotton rolls or suction devices keep the teeth dry, ensuring the sealant bonds well.
- Application: We paint the sealant onto the chewing surface and harden it with a curing light in seconds.
- Final Check: We ensure the sealant is smooth and your child’s bite feels natural. Kids can eat and drink as usual right after their visit.
Keeping Sealants Strong at Home
We’ll guide you and your child on the best ways to maintain their sealants:
- Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
- Limit sticky or hard snacks.
- Visit us for regular checkups to keep sealants in top shape.
Schedule Dental Sealants in Dripping Springs Today
Protect your child’s smile early with dental sealants in Dripping Springs at Central Park Pediatric Dentistry. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Daniel Johnson and Dr. Adam Parker and give your child a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.