Dental Sealants – Las Cruces, NM
An Added Layer of Protection Against Cavities
Unfortunately, kids aren’t always known for taking great care of their teeth, whether it’s because they simply lack the dexterity to properly clean them, or they haven’t quite mastered the attention to detail required. Dental sealants were designed to protect their permanent teeth during those crucial childhood years where their oral hygiene skills may not be quite enough to prevent cavities, helping keep them healthy and strong until your child is mature enough to properly care for them on their own.
Why Choose Painted Skies Dental Center for Dental Sealants?
- Reduces the Risk of Cavities by Up to 80%
- Can Be Applied at Your Child’s Preventive Exam and Cleaning Appointment
- Dental Insurance Friendly
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is placed on the occlusal (chewing) surface of your child’s permanent back molars and premolars as an added layer of protection against cavities and tooth decay. Essentially, they fill in the small pits and grooves that are naturally a part of the tooth’s anatomy to prevent food particles, plaque, and oral bacteria from infiltrating the enamel and causing damage.
Dental sealants in Las Cruces can be applied to your child’s teeth in 30 minutes or less during their preventive exam and cleaning appointment, or you may schedule a separate appointment if you’d prefer. Getting sealants is completely painless, and they can protect your child’s teeth for five to ten years!
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
The great news is that getting dental sealants is fast, easy, and painless. First, your child’s dentist will clean the tooth with a brush and polishing toothpaste. Then, they’ll apply a special gel that etches the surface of the tooth to allow the sealant to adhere properly. The gel is then rinsed away, and the sealant will be applied with a small brush (similar to a paintbrush) on the chewing surface of the tooth. Finally, a special curing light will be used to harden it, and your child will be free to go use and care for the tooth as usual. There is no need for downtime or recovery, and your child can eat or drink immediately following treatment.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a great option for children or teens whose permanent molars and premolars have erupted, but sealants can also benefit cavity prone adults, too.
The best time to get sealants is as soon as your child’s permanent molars and premolars have erupted so they provide additional protection during their prime cavity prone years of ages six through 14.
Although less common, sometimes dental sealants may be recommended for baby teeth if they are at a higher risk of decay. This is because baby teeth play an instrumental role in holding the place of undeveloped permanent teeth, so it’s important to keep these primary teeth healthy and strong until the adult teeth are ready to emerge naturally.