Are you unsure if you should allow your child to receive dental sealants? You’re not alone. Many parents are unfamiliar with this term and have many questions when it comes to additional preventive services offered by their pediatric dentist. Fluoride is a much more common and familiar treatment, but dental sealants are often minimally discussed. Before agreeing to move forward, here are three questions you can feel free to ask your child’s pediatric dentist about better protecting their back teeth.
At What Age Are Dental Sealants Necessary?
It is common for both children and adults to be recommended for dental sealants; however, they are predominantly more beneficial in younger patients. It is better to wait until permanent teeth have fully erupted. Typically, by the time a child reaches the age of six, the first molars are pushing through, but it isn’t until they are around 12 years old that they receive their second set. With each pair, it’s essential to have dental sealants placed because of the added protection provided.
These teeth are often hard to reach for many young patients, which is why the plastic coating that is painted over the chewing surfaces can be highly effective in creating a barrier against bad bacteria and food particles. The sooner you have them placed, the greater your child’s chances of maintaining a healthier, cavity-free smile.
Can Dental Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?
It is possible to have dental sealants placed over a cavity to keep decay from further damaging the tooth; however, it depends on the severity of dental caries. If necessary, your child’s pediatric dentist may go ahead and recommend a filling to treat the area. But if not, they will continue to monitor the decay as well as the sealant with each visit to ensure the latter is protecting the tooth and keeping the cavity from spreading further into the deeper layers of the tooth.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
When teeth and gums are properly cared for in between appointments, there is a possibility that dental sealants can last up to 10 years. At some point, they will need to be reapplied, but as long as you’re overseeing your child’s brushing and flossing habits, you can rest easy knowing these preventive coatings will keep their back teeth safer year and year.
And should one of the sealants come off at any point, your child’s dentist can easily apply a new one during a regular appointment.
Dental sealants are a great way to not only protect your child’s smile but also save you money in the long run. By opting for this preventive service, you can minimize the possibility of your child requiring restorative care later on.
About the Practice
At Tranquil Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide compassionate, high-quality pediatric dental care for children in Coppell, TX and surrounding communities including Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound. Our team focuses on preventive care, patient education, and creating a positive dental experience so children feel comfortable and confident at every visit.
Led by Dr. Kimberly Tran, a board-certified pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our practice is dedicated to helping children develop healthy smiles that support their overall growth and well-being.
If you have questions about your child’s dental health or would like to schedule an appointment with a trusted pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our team is here to help.
📞 Call us at (972) 393-9779 or contact our office online to get started.