what are pediatric dental sealants?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are more likely to develop cavities because of their deep grooves and pits. Sealants are a simple and effective way to protect these teeth. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide pediatric dental sealants to help block plaque, bacteria, and food particles from settling into these vulnerable areas. Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Once placed, they can last for years with proper care, reducing your child’s risk of cavities and potentially saving them from more costly dental treatments in the future.
What are the Benefits of Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Parents and caregivers often choose dental sealants because they provide reliable, long-lasting protection against tooth decay. Sealants placed by Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim offer:
Prevent cavities: Sealants act as a physical barrier between the teeth and food particles, plaque, and bacteria that cause decay, making them an effective children’s cavity prevention treatment.
Quick and comfortable treatment: Sealant application is completely painless and often takes only one short visit to our office.
Cost-effective: Dental sealants can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for future treatments needed to address cavities or decay.
Long-lasting results: Sealants can last for years with proper care and regular brushing and flossing.
When should children get sealants?
Sealants are most effective for children and teens who are at higher risk of cavities due to the natural shape of their back teeth. They are often recommended soon after permanent molars erupt, but younger children can also benefit if their teeth have deeper grooves. Because sealants are applied without sedation and in a short visit, they are a good preventive treatment for patients of many ages.
How are children’s dental sealants performed?
During your child’s visit, Dr. Jeni Kong or Dr. Milee Kim will first examine the teeth to determine if sealants are appropriate. The teeth are then cleaned to remove any plaque or bacteria. The sealant material is brushed onto the chewing surfaces and hardened with a curing light. Finally, the bite is checked to ensure the sealant has settled properly.
How long do pediatric dental sealants last?
After the procedure, your child can return to their regular routine right away. For the first few days, it’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. With good brushing and flossing habits, sealants can last for years. At every exam and cleaning, Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim will check the sealants and let you know if they need to be reapplied.
Does insurance cover pediatric dental sealants?
Because sealants are considered a preventive treatment, many dental insurance plans cover them fully or in part for younger patients. Our team will confirm coverage with your insurance provider and explain any out-of-pocket costs. For families without insurance, Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry offers flexible payment options and financing to make care more accessible.
Protect your child’s teeth
Sealants are a quick and effective way to reduce your child’s risk of cavities and keep their smile healthy for years to come. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide preventive care that helps children avoid the need for more complex procedures later in life. To learn more about pediatric dental sealants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim today.
Pediatric Dental Sealants FAQ
A sealant is a special material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — molars and premolars. This creates a barrier and prevents food and bacteria from getting into these deep grooves and causing cavities. A filling, on the other hand, is used to fill in a cavity that has already formed. Our team in Lawrenceville, GA, can explain the difference during your initial exam.
Sealants are an excellent way to protect against cavities when properly applied. Dr. Kong is a trained pediatric dentist and knows how to help prevent unwanted cavities and decay. We take the time to clean your child’s teeth and remove harmful elements like bacteria and plaque before applying sealants. This helps ensure that the sealant adheres properly and creates a long-lasting barrier.
Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry is the best place for your children to get dental sealants. Our staff is experienced in working with kids of all ages, and we understand how to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible if they have some dental anxiety. We also use only the highest quality materials so that your child’s teeth will be well-protected into adulthood.
Pediatric dental sealants are designed to be a long-term solution for cavity prevention. Our team will monitor the sealants during regular dental check-ups to ensure they are intact and effective. If necessary, they can be reapplied to maintain continuous protection.
Yes, dental sealants can be applied to baby teeth, especially if these teeth have deep grooves or the child is at high risk for cavities. Dr. Kong can evaluate your child’s teeth and recommend the best approach for their oral health, including whether sealants on baby teeth are appropriate.
After the application of dental sealants, there are minimal restrictions for your child. However, it’s generally advised to avoid very sticky or hard foods immediately after the procedure to ensure the sealants bond properly to the teeth. Our team will provide specific aftercare instructions for your child. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain the sealants and overall oral health.