What Are Pediatric Dental Sealants?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are especially prone to cavities because of their deep grooves and pits. Pediatric dental sealants offer a simple and effective way to protect these teeth from decay. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide pediatric sealants that help block plaque, bacteria, and food particles from settling into these vulnerable areas. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. With proper care, pediatric dental sealants can last for years, lowering your child’s risk of cavities and preventing the need for more complex and costly treatments in the future.
What Are The Benefits of Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Parents and caregivers often choose sealants because they provide strong, long-lasting protection against tooth decay. When placed by Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim, pediatric dental sealants offer several benefits:
Cavity prevention:
Sealants form a protective shield over teeth, blocking food, plaque, and bacteria from causing decay.
Quick and painless:
The application is simple, comfortable, and usually completed in a single visit.
Cost-effective care:
Sealants can help families avoid more extensive and expensive dental treatments later.
Durable protection:
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, sealants can last for years, keeping your child’s smile healthy.
When Should Children Get Sealants?
Pediatric dental sealants are most effective for children and teens who have a higher risk of cavities due to the natural grooves in their back teeth. They are usually recommended soon after permanent molars erupt, but younger children can also benefit if their teeth have deep pits. Since sealants are applied quickly and without sedation, they are a safe preventive treatment for patients of many ages.
How Are Children’s Dental Sealants Applied?
During your child’s visit, Dr. Jeni Kong or Dr. Milee Kim will first examine the teeth to confirm if pediatric sealants are appropriate. The teeth are then cleaned to remove plaque and bacteria. Next, the sealant material is gently brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. A curing light hardens the sealant, and the bite is checked to ensure proper placement.
How Long Do Pediatric Dental Sealants Last?
After the procedure, children can return to normal activities right away. For the first few days, it is best to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, pediatric dental sealants can last for several years. At every exam, Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim checks the sealants and recommends reapplication if needed.
Does Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Because sealants are a preventive treatment, many dental insurance plans cover them fully or partially for younger patients. Our team will verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs. For families without insurance, Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry provides flexible payment plans and financing to make care affordable and 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. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide pediatric dental sealants that help children avoid the need for more complex procedures later in life. Schedule an appointment today to learn how pediatric sealants can benefit your child’s smile.
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.