Dental Sealants for Children

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that we brush on your child's teeth

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that we brush on the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars or back teeth. By doing so we add an additional protection and prevent tooth decay.

We understand that your child does their best to brush and floss daily, but sometimes the effort is just not enough to completely clean all the surfaces of the teeth, especially the fissures, nooks, and crannies on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These hard-to-clean, irregular biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth are the perfect spot for food particles to get stuck and produce bad bacteria.  This will lead to plaque and tartar deposits, and eventually, the development of cavities.

The entire staff at Smile Time Kids LOVES children. We enjoy their budding personalities and their constant search for answers. We are a compassionate, caring, and patient team when working with your child. Their young smiles are important to us. Call us today at 765-373-3100 with any questions you have regarding your child or stop by Smile Time Kids at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN, 47374.Our dentists can perform a variety of dental procedures for children beyond just dental cleanings and exams. We offer dental sealants to protect your child's teeth after their regular cleaning.

We are a compassionate, caring, and patient team when working with your child. Their young smiles are important to us.

Call 765-373-3100  or contact our office today via online contact form. Our office is located at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374. Let us help keep your child healthy together.

What are Dental Sealants?

While brushing and flossing are essential to prevent cavities, it is not always possible to clean every small part of your child's mouth. When it comes to children’s teeth, it can be hard to reach the back of their mouth. Sealants can protect your children’s teeth from bacteria, and food particles. These sealants help keep teeth from decaying. You can relax knowing that sealants come from non-toxic resins. Smile Time Kids paints the sealants onto the chewing surface of the tooth. It is then cured using a UV light. Many sealants are even made with fluoride to further strengthen children’s teeth. They can remain in place for up to 10 years with proper after care.

Can Dental Sealants Help My Child?

Dental sealants can be of great benefit to protecting your child’s teeth. Research has found that 4 out of 5 cavities in children happen on the biting surfaces of molars. This is where we apply most of the sealants. A sealant can protect these teeth and keep your child from getting cavities in these areas where they are more likely to occur. Molars are particularly susceptible to cavities as they have deep grooves.

We recommend applying sealants to a child of 6 years and 12 years as their molars come in. The sealants protect the molars from cavities and decay. It will keep your child from unnecessary discomfort and an extra trip to our office. Sealants help by filling in the molar and allow your child’s brushing and flossing to be more effective. The CDC found that children without sealants are three times more likely to have cavities.

The Dental Sealant Process

The experienced pediatric dentists at Smile Time Kids are more than happy to apply sealants. First, we will look at your child’s teeth and check for decay, fractures, and chips. Upon confirmation that the teeth are healthy, the sealant can be applied. The teeth are then cleaned, and a nontoxic chemical is applied to the teeth, slightly etching, or roughening the surface. The rough texture is small and does not change the tooth's appearance. This roughness allows the sealant to stay in place. The teeth are then dried, and we paint on the sealant. This material is clear and easy to remove if a tooth needs any future treatment.

Life Expectancy and Side Effects

Dental sealants can last for seven years, sometimes as many as 10 years. Other than allergies, there are no known side effects from sealants. Many insurance plans will cover sealants, but it does depend on your plan. Contact us to learn more about costs.

Why Consider Smile Time Kids

We have an experienced pediatric staff. Our specialty is working with children and providing high quality dental care to each patient. Your child can be fidgety and have a hard time sitting still during dental procedures. Our staff knows that children can feel nervous, so we focus on creating an experience that is calming and enjoyable. We are patient and kind and will take the time to talk with your child. Our staff will make sure and explain the procedure to your child to put them at ease. We have been applying sealants for many years and have the expertise to provide your child with a high-quality solution.

Make an Appointment for Your Child Today!

Smile Time Kids would like to share the recommendations of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They suggest bringing your child in for their first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the time your child is one, whichever occurs first. We will work with your child and treat them like family. We love happy and healthy children. Afterwards, children should visit at normal intervals just like you would schedule your own dental checkups. Call 765-373-3100 today to make an appointment with Smile Time Kids. Our office is located at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374. Let us keep your child healthy together. 

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Your child should see the dentist at the age of 1 year, or within 6 months of the appearance of his or her first tooth. A quick checkup will be done and x-rays taken to ensure the baby teeth are growing properly. If your child has multiple teeth already, they'll be counted and quickly cleaned.