Author: Dr. Maria Wytko
At TKO Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We proudly offer comprehensive family dental services, including dental sealants, to lower the risk of cavities in children. Dr. Maria Wytko and our kid-friendly team are dedicated to laying the foundation for long-term healthy and beautiful smiles.
What are Dental Sealants?
Your child’s back teeth, called the molars and premolars, have natural pits and deep grooves that are challenging to clean effectively, making them susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants are thin, clear coatings that flow into every pit and crevice on the chewing surfaces of those teeth, essentially sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food particles. The quick, pain-free, and affordable procedure has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
When is the ideal time for placing dental sealants?
Dr. Wytko and her team at TKO Dentistry are advocates of prevention right from the start. We recommend placing dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent molars as soon as they come in. The first set of molars typically erupts around age 6, and the second set around age 12. Sealing these teeth soon after they emerge is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities.
What if your child has missed the 6-year or 12-year mark? Dental sealants can be beneficial to anyone as long as the teeth are cavity-free. Older teens and adults can be excellent candidates, especially if they have deep grooves in the chewing surfaces of their teeth or if they are prone to developing tooth decay.
What Are the Benefits of Twice-Yearly Dental Visits?
The sealant procedure is quick and painless. After cleaning and drying your child’s teeth, we will place an etching gel to help the sealant bond. Next, we will paint the sealant material onto the tooth surfaces and use a special curing light to harden it. The entire process takes a few minutes to complete, leaving those vulnerable teeth with a strong protective shield.
Caring for Teeth With Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are not a substitute for at-home oral hygiene care. Make sure your child continues brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and keep it from hardening to tartar. We also recommend avoiding hard or chewy foods, which can damage the sealant material.
It’s important to keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Wytko will monitor your child’s oral health and ensure the sealants remain free from damage. If needed, she may recommend touch-ups or dental sealant replacement to continue providing your child with maximum protection against cavities.
Dental Sealants Near Me in North Scottsdale, AZ
At TKO Dentistry, we offer comprehensive preventive dental services for children, including dental sealants. Dr. Wytko and our family-friendly team are committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care to ensure our young patients maintain beautiful, cavity-free smiles.
We invite you to call us at (480) 896-7888 to schedule an appointment or request one online today! We look forward to caring for all your family’s dental needs.
