Sealants Specialist

What are sealants?

In some cases, dental sealants may prevent cavities in your child’s molars, or back teeth. They are a preventive dentistry solution Dr. Zaki can apply to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to protect them from tooth decay. While routine brushing and flossing also lower your child’s risk of cavities, dental sealants offer additional protection for molars, where lots of grooves exist.

How do sealants work?

Sealants prevent food particles and cavity-causing bacteria from getting trapped in your child’s molars. After Dr. Zaki applies sealants to your child’s teeth, they harden and act as an extra protective layer for the teeth, preventing acid and bacteria from causing tooth decay. 

Are sealants right for my child?

To find out if dental sealants are right for your child, Dr. Zaki and her team review their dental history, examine and clean their teeth, and may take digital dental X-rays.

The sooner your child gets sealants on their molars, the lower the risk of developing cavities in those teeth. Dr. Zaki lets you know if your child is due for sealants.

What happens during sealant placement?

Getting sealants is a fast, painless process for your child. First, Dr. Zaki cleans and dries your child’s teeth. She places a special gel on the teeth and roughs up the tooth surface to create a stronger bond with sealant materials. She rinses off the gel, dries the teeth, and applies sealant into the grooves of your child’s molars or pre-molars. During the last step of the procedure, Dr. Zaki uses a blue light to harden the sealants.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants on your child’s teeth can last several years before they wear down. During each dental exam, Dr. Zaki checks the condition of sealants to determine if reapplication is needed. To further prevent tooth decay, encourage your child to reduce added sugar, brush their teeth twice daily, and floss every day. 

Help your child brush their teeth until they turn 8 years old. Encourage them to avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects to prevent sealant and tooth damage. Attend routine dental cleanings and exams every three to six months.

Give your child the best chance at avoiding tooth decay. Schedule an appointment by phone or online with Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry today to find out if your child is due for sealants.