Dental Sealants in Montclair, NJ
Shield Your Child’s Smile
At Playful Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every smile deserves a strong start. While dedicated brushing is key to keeping tooth decay at bay, cavities can still sneak up, especially in the back molars that have pits and crevices that tend to trap food particles and bacteria. Our pediatric dentist and team are pleased to offer preventive dental services, including dental sealants, to keep your little one’s smile healthy, strong, and bright. Contact our practice in Montclair to schedule your child’s appointment today!
our services
What Are Dental Sealants?
While brushing and flossing remove most food particles and bacteria, the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of your child's premolars and molars can be challenging to clean. Dental sealants are protective coatings we apply to these surfaces, essentially sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food particles. The simple, painless procedure has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities.
When Are Dental Sealants Ideally Placed?
Dental sealants are ideally placed soon after the first and second sets of permanent molars erupt, around ages 6 and 12. Sealing these teeth as they emerge is the best way to maintain cavity-free smiles right from the start. If your child or teen has missed these milestones, the best time to place dental sealants is now!
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
The dental sealant application is quick and pain-free, taking only a few minutes to complete. Our dentist or dental hygienist will clean and dry your child’s teeth and use a special etching gel to help the sealant bond to the tooth enamel. Next, we will apply the sealant material, allowing it to flow into every groove and crevice. The last step is using a special light to harden the sealant material, creating a long-lasting, durable shield.
Your child's protective sealants may need touch-ups or replacement in the future. However, even if the sealant is lost, studies show it provides protective benefits deep down in a tooth's grooves.
Caring for Sealed Teeth
Placing dental sealants is no substitute for good oral hygiene. Make sure your child continues brushing and flossing, and limit the consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages to further lower the risk of decay. We also recommend avoiding hard foods or candies, which can damage the dental sealant material as well as your child’s tooth enamel.
Visiting Playful Pediatric Dentistry for your child’s twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings is another effective way to maintain long-term healthy smiles. Our pediatric dentist and team will monitor your child's teeth, gums, and sealants and ensure they stay in tip-top shape. If the sealants show signs of damage or wear, we may recommend replacing them to maintain maximum protection against cavities.
Let’s Keep Those Little Smiles Shining!
We make every visit fun, friendly, and stress-free. Book your child’s appointment today and watch their confidence grow.