At What Age Can My Child Get Dental Sealants?

You want to protect your child’s smile from the pain of dental cavities. Dental sealants offer an undeniable layer of protection, but many parents wonder at what age their child can get the dental sealants?

Dental sealants are ideal protection for young children and teens who have permanent molars. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, our dentists will evaluate your child’s oral health and development to determine if dental sealant application is suitable.

Who is a candidate for dental sealants?

Almost any child or teen with permanent molars is a good candidate for dental sealants. The deep grooves in the back teeth are often difficult for a child to clean effectively, which means bacteria, food debris, and plaque can build up, making the child more prone to developing tooth decay. The application of dental sealants to the chewing surface of the molars affords some protection and can effectively help prevent the development of cavities.

If your child already has dental cavities or has already undergone dental restorations, then dental sealants might not be a good choice. Our team at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA evaluates each child’s unique needs and then outlines a tailored preventive treatment plan.

How is a dental sealant applied?

To apply a dental sealant to your child’s teeth, the child must first undergo a cleaning process that involves the use of a cleansing solution and special paste. Following the deep cleaning, the teeth are allowed to air dry before the sealant is placed on the chewing surfaces of the child’s permanent teeth.

Our dentists will brush the sealant directly on the surface of the teeth. They will then use a specialized light to quickly cure and harden the dental sealant onto the surface of the tooth. The dentist will then examine your child’s bite to ensure that the dental sealant has set correctly.

Many children are worried that getting dental sealants will hurt, but they generally do not cause any discomfort. They are applied with no anesthesia, and there is no need to drill or disturb the tooth during the application process. Once the dental sealant has hardened, your child can eat and drink without problems.

Dental sealants are a safe way to help protect teeth from dental cavities for a decade or more. However, even after dental sealant application, it is vital that your child continue to undergo bi-annual exams and cleanings to catch situations early before they get out of hand.

Even though dental sealants offer protection against dental cavities, they are not foolproof. Your child will still need to follow an oral care plan that includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and maintaining regular preventive maintenance appointments.

Schedule an appointment at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA

The use of dental sealants on a child or teen’s permanent teeth is just an extra layer of protection that a parent can take to maintain their child’s beautiful smile. If you believe that dental sealants are an ideal choice for your child, contact our doctors at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA to schedule an appointment and discuss the benefits of dental sealants. Our team works closely with the parent and child to ensure long-term dental care satisfaction and success so your child can keep smiling with confidence.