At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we know that even with regular brushing and flossing, some areas of a child’s mouth can be challenging to keep completely clean. Dental sealants provide an added layer of protection by safeguarding those hard-to-reach grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of teeth where plaque tends to build up. Sealants are an effective, non-invasive way to prevent cavities and maintain your child’s healthy smile.
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic-like coating that our dental team applies to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, creating a protective barrier over deep grooves and crevices. Once applied, the sealant bonds with the tooth surface and hardens, making it easier to keep clean and less prone to decay. This protective layer prevents food particles and bacteria from settling in the grooves and helps keep the tooth surface smooth.
Because molars and premolars have natural crevices, they are more vulnerable to cavities. Sealants are especially helpful for protecting these teeth once they have erupted, typically around ages six to twelve. By proactively protecting your child’s teeth with sealants, you’re helping reduce their risk of cavities and promoting long-term dental health.
The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and comfortable for children. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s appointment:
The entire process only takes a few minutes per tooth and provides years of protection. Your child can eat and drink normally immediately after the application, making it an easy addition to their regular preventive dental care.
Sealants can last from three to five years, but it’s common for some to remain intact even into adulthood. During your child’s regular dental checkups, we’ll examine their sealants to ensure they’re still in place and offering full protection. If any sealants have worn down or come off, we can reapply them to maintain effective coverage.
Since sealants are a preventive measure, keeping them intact as your child grows can reduce the need for more extensive dental work in the future. By combining sealants with regular dental visits, fluoride treatments, and a consistent brushing and flossing routine, you’re giving your child the best possible foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Dental sealants are typically applied to permanent molars and premolars shortly after they emerge, usually around ages six to twelve. This timing is ideal because these back teeth are most vulnerable to decay as they have deeper grooves that are difficult to clean. For children with a high risk of cavities or specific dental needs, our dentists may also recommend sealants on baby teeth to protect them until the permanent teeth come in.
Each child’s dental needs are unique, and we customize our recommendations to fit those needs. If a sealant comes off, it’s essential to let our team know, as a fully intact sealant is necessary for the best protection.
At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we’re committed to protecting young smiles across New Jersey and Delaware. Our professional dental sealants help prevent cavities and provide an extra layer of protection for children’s molars and premolars, giving parents peace of mind about their child’s dental health.
We’re proud to offer this preventive service at each of our six convenient locations.
Contact us today to schedule your child’s sealant appointment at the location nearest you!
Dental sealants are very safe for children. They’re made from BPA-free plastic materials specifically designed for dental use. The application process is non-invasive and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Multiple health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the CDC, endorse dental sealants as a safe and effective preventive measure. While extremely rare allergic reactions are possible, our team always reviews your child’s health history before recommending any treatment.
Dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities in children. They reduce cavity risk by approximately 80% in molars during the first two years after application. Even after several years, properly maintained sealants continue to provide 50-60% protection against decay. Sealants work best as part of a comprehensive prevention program that includes regular brushing, flossing, fluoride use, and professional dental cleanings. They’re particularly effective for protecting the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of back teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
The ideal time for dental sealants is soon after the permanent molars erupt: first molars around age 6 and second molars around age 12. Sometimes we recommend sealants for primary (baby) teeth if they have deep grooves or your child is at high risk for cavities. Each child’s needs are different, so we assess factors like oral hygiene habits, diet, and cavity history to determine the optimal timing. During regular checkups, we’ll evaluate if your child would benefit from sealants and recommend them at the appropriate time.
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, typically at 80-100% with no deductible. Coverage usually applies to permanent molars for children under 18, with limitations varying by plan. Some plans cover sealants only once per tooth, while others allow replacement after a certain number of years. Medicaid and CHIP programs in New Jersey also provide sealant coverage for eligible children. Our office team can verify your specific coverage and help maximize your benefits before treatment.
Dental sealant application is completely painless. The process requires no drilling, shots, or removal of tooth structure. We simply clean the tooth, apply a special gel to prepare the surface, rinse, dry, and then paint on the sealant material before hardening it with a special light. Most children find the procedure comfortable and straightforward, taking just a few minutes per tooth. Our pediatric team is specially trained to explain each step in child-friendly terms, making the experience positive even for anxious children.
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