While we often recommend dental sealants for children, adults may also benefit from this simple and non-invasive treatment. A sealant covers the entire chewing surface of your tooth, sealing it from food particles, plaque, and tartar. Our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you. In general, we may recommend dental sealants if you have deep pits or fissures on the surface of your molars (back teeth) that collect plaque.
Dental Sealants for Children
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, we often recommend tooth sealants as soon as your child gets their premolars and permanent adult teeth. Sealants can help protect your child’s teeth when they’re most vulnerable to cavities, between the ages of six and 14.
Dental Sealant Procedure
Applying sealants is fast, easy, and painless. During the , we roughen the chewing surface of your molars before painting on the sealant. Doing this allows the sealant to bond strongly to the surface of your teeth so it’ll last for years to come.
During dental sealant treatment, we:
- Clean and dry teeth.
- Apply acidic gel to roughen chewing surfaces of molars.
- Rinse away acidic gel.
- Dry teeth.
- Paint liquid sealant solution over grooves in molars.
- Harden dental sealants with special curing light.
It’s important to understand that dental sealant treatment is not meant to replace good oral hygiene habits. You’ll need to continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily to remove plaque at home. You’ll also need to see our Kalamazoo dentist at least every six months for a teeth cleaning and exam.
Book an Appointment for Dental Sealants
Ready to discover if you’re a candidate for dental sealants? Dr. Katherine Bandos is proud to serve as your local dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, and is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call Kalamazoo Smiles at (269) 353-3700 or fill out our online contact form.
