At Prairie Hawk Dental, we care for the oral health of many children. As a family dental practice, we offer preventive care such as dental sealants. There are many reasons to consider sealing your child's teeth, and our dentists and hygienists are always available to answer any questions that you have about sealants and our other pediatric dental services.
How Dental Sealing Works
The process of sealing the teeth is simple. We know that kids may not want to sit still for too long, and the process of sealing a child's teeth only takes about five minutes. Our dentist mixes the sealant when your child's mouth is clean and the teeth are dry. The sealant is painted onto the tooth. We shine a special light onto the tooth. The light cures the sealant and hardens it. Your child will be able to eat and drink after the appointment, but we recommend avoiding very hot foods for the rest of the day.
What the Dental Sealant Is Made From
The sealing product is a resin mixture. There is no BPA in the resin. The sealant cures quickly with light from the visible light spectrum, so your child will not have any ultraviolet light or radiation exposure in order to cure the sealant. The sealant is clear after it dries. You will not be able to see it on the tooth.
Which Teeth Benefit from Sealing
Most dental insurance companies cover the cost of sealing a child's molars once his or her six-year molars erupt. We may recommend a sealant for a tooth at an earlier stage if we see that the tooth has a lot of fissures. Fissures or pits are places where bits of food can accumulate. Since it is difficult for a child to reach those back teeth, those areas are at a high risk of developing dental decay. By sealing the fissures and the other chewing surfaces of the tooth, we are able to lessen your child's risk of a cavity. Other teeth with fissures or pits may also benefit from sealing.
Who Should Consider Sealing for the Teeth
If your child is at risk of tooth decay or has a past cavity, we recommend sealing. We also recommend sealing as a preventive measure. Even if your child has never had a cavity, a sealant protects that tooth and keeps it strong and healthy.
Caring for Sealed Teeth At Home
After your child gets a sealant, it is still important to brush all of the teeth. Proper brushing and flossing at home promote optimal oral health. A tooth with a sealant can be brushed just like any other tooth, and you can use the same toothpaste.