Preventive Dentistry

Dental sealants are a simple, painless preventive treatment that provides excellent protection against cavities, especially for children. They're thin, protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, which are often prone to tooth decay.

The back molars have grooves and pits that can be deep and trap bacteria, making them difficult for kids to clean thoroughly, even with careful brushing. Sealants fill in these vulnerable grooves, creating a smooth surface that's much easier to keep clean and significantly more resistant to decay.

Getting Dental Sealants

Applying sealants is quick and completely painless, no drilling or numbing required! We simply clean and dry the tooth, apply a special gel that helps the sealant bond, rinse it off, and then paint the liquid sealant onto the tooth surface. A special light cures and hardens the sealant in seconds, and your child is done! The entire procedure takes just a few minutes for each tooth.

Children who benefit most from dental sealants include:

• Those whose permanent molars have recently erupted, typically between ages six and twelve
• Children with deep grooves or pits in their teeth that are prone to trapping food
• Kids with a history of cavities or high cavity risk
• Children who may struggle with thorough brushing and flossing

Dental Sealants Also Benefit Adults

While sealants are most commonly recommended for children, adults with deep grooves and no existing fillings in those teeth can also benefit from them. Sealants can last several years with proper care and are checked during regular dental visits.

At James Blake, DDS in Hamburg, we'll evaluate your child's teeth and recommend sealants if they would provide meaningful protection against cavities. It's a small investment that can save significant time, money, and discomfort down the road!