Call Now
(732) 863-3899
(732) 863-3899
(732) 863-3899Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to seal in the grooves and pits where particles of food and harmful plaque can easily accumulate. This is especially beneficial to children who are still learning to protect their teeth with proper oral hygiene, by providing an added layer of defense against tooth decay. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, dental sealants in Eatontown can reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities in their molars by up to 80%!
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of your child’s permanent back molars and premolars to help provide them with an added layer of protection against cavities and decay. They work by filling in the tiny grooves and pits that naturally appear on the teeth, blocking things like food, plaque, and oral bacteria from infiltrating the enamel and damaging the tooth. Dental sealants in Eatontown take about 30 minutes or less to apply and can be done right at your child’s regular preventive dental cleaning, or you can schedule a return visit if necessary. They are completely painless, and often last between five and ten years.
Getting dental sealants is an easy, painless process. First, your child’s tooth will be cleaned well with a brush and polishing toothpaste. Then, their dentist will apply a special gel which etches the tooth’s surface so the sealant can adhere properly. The gel is then rinsed off, and the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. We will then use a special curing light to harden the sealant, and once complete, your child will be free to go and immediately eat and drink without any need for downtime or recovery.
Dental sealants are ideal for children and teens who have received their permanent molars and premolars, but this treatment can also benefit adults who are prone to cavities on their back teeth, too.
Sealants are recommended for children as soon as their premolars and molars come in as an added layer of defense during their prime cavity-prone years (ages 6 through 14). In some cases, dental sealants may be beneficial to primary (baby) teeth, if they are at an elevated risk for decay. That’s because baby teeth play a crucial role in holding the space for permanent teeth, it is important to keep them healthy and strong until they’re ready to come out on their own.