Pediatric Dental Sealants in Lawrenceville, GA

The chewing surfaces of back teeth are more susceptible to developing tooth decay. Sealants from our team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry are an easy way to protect your child's teeth from this type of oral concern. Sealants are thin, flexible plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's molars and premolars. Once they're placed, sealants block plaque, tartar, bacteria, and food particles to help prevent cavities from forming. Dental sealants may last for years when cared for properly. Not only can sealants maintain the health of your child's mouth and lower the risk of cavities, but they may also save your child from needing expensive future treatments. During your child's visit at our friendly Lawrenceville, GA practice, talk to board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong to determine if dental sealants are right for your child's oral health.

There are many reasons parents and caretakers are choosing dental sealants for their children and teens. Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry understands the importance of preventive care and strives to educate patients on the following benefits:

• Prevent cavities: Sealants act as a physical barrier between the teeth and food particles, plaque, and bacteria that cause decay.
• 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.

Ideal candidates for sealants are patients who are prone to developing cavities due to deeper pits and fissures located on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. In many cases, dental sealants are suggested for young children and teenagers to help minimize the need for more complex dental treatments in the future. Sealant application is a simple, fast treatment that typically does not require sedation, making it a great procedure for patients of any age.

During your child's visit, Dr. Jeni will first examine the teeth to decide if dental sealants are the right treatment for their needs. Before the application, we will clean the teeth to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Next, our team will apply the sealants with a small brush and set the material using a special curing light. After the sealants have hardened, Dr. Jeni will check to ensure that your child's dental sealants have settled correctly and adjust the bite if needed.

After your child's sealant procedure, they will be free to resume a normal daily routine. It is important for your child to develop a good oral hygiene plan, including brushing the teeth two times a day and flossing daily. Your child should avoid eating crunching, hard, or sticky foods for the first few days following sealant placement. With proper care, dental sealants may be long-lasting. At your child's future cleaning and exam visits with our Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry team, Dr. Jeni will evaluate the sealants and decide if they should be applied again.

Since dental sealants are a preventive treatment, many insurance companies pay for some or all of the costs for younger patients. Coverage can vary, so our office will contact your insurance company to determine coverage amounts and let you know of any out-of-pocket costs. Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry accepts several different methods of payment for your convenience. We can also assist you in applying for special patient financing.

What is the difference between a sealant and a filling?
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.

Are dental sealants bad for your teeth?
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.

Why choose us for dental sealants?
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.

How long do pediatric dental sealants last?
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.

Can dental sealants be placed on baby teeth?
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.

What should my child avoid after getting dental sealants?
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.

Your children can benefit from sealants to maintain good dental health and a happy smile. Sealants are a great way to avoid the need for more extensive procedures in the future, such as fillings or crowns to restore tooth decay. A relatively quick and easy procedure, dental sealants can help your family experience easier dental exams and improved overall oral health. To get more information about sealants, contact our Lawrenceville, GA office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeni.