Sealants Reynoldsburg
Cavity prevention is a must for children’s dental health. Even with your best intentions for your child’s dental care, though, issues can still arise. That’s where our team at McKibben Dental comes in!
Dental sealants are a highly effective solution for preventing decay and preserving children’s dental health as their teeth grow. These thin, hard protective layers are applied to children’s teeth as an extra layer of protection against toddler tooth decay as your child learns healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing.
If you’re looking for special needs dentistry in Reynoldsburg, dental sealants are also an excellent option for these patients and their oral health.
What is a Dental Sealant?
For patients of any age, a daily routine of brushing and flossing works wonders for preserving and protecting your smile and overall health.
However, sometimes this isn’t enough to treat hard-to-reach parts of the mouth–especially for patients who are just learning how to properly care for their teeth. If left untouched, food debris on teeth creates plaque and bacteria that break down your enamel.
In both children and adults, cavities can hurt long-term oral health if left untreated. For young patients whose teeth are still developing, decay can be detrimental.
Dental sealants are a preventative treatment, meaning they stop bacteria buildup before it can even start. Applied to the biting and chewing surfaces of baby teeth, they protect the developing surfaces of these teeth from decay and plaque.
Adults, especially our older patients, are also welcome to explore our dental sealant services, too. At McKibben Dental, we believe preventative dentistry is important for every age demographic.
How are Dental Sealants Applied?
The sealant application process is quick, easy and painless, making it perfect for children.
First, our team will evaluate teeth to make sure there is no preexisting sign of decay. If decay is spotted, this will need to be treated instead.
Next, we will apply a thin layer of resin coating to the chewing and biting surface of the teeth. To ensure quick drying, we’ll use a special light to harden the sealant.
Applying a sealant only takes a few minutes per tooth. Like a dental filling, if properly cared for a sealant can last for several years before a replacement is needed. Sometimes, sealants can last up to 10 years!
How do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants are healthy, safe, affordable and effective for protecting teeth. The resin coating applied to teeth is smooth to touch, but tough in terms of protection. It keeps bacteria from attaching to the tooth, and also smooths the tooth so brushing is easier.
Looking for Dental Sealants in Reynoldsburg and the Surrounding Columbus area?
At McKibben Dental, our team specializes in preventative dentistry for both children and adults. Call our office at 614-575-9530 to discuss sealants for you or your child!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most children benefit from dental sealants soon after their permanent molars erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. In some cases, younger children with deep grooves in their baby teeth may also benefit from sealants. Our team will evaluate your child and recommend the right timing based on your child’s individual dental development.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental sealants can protect teeth for several years. During routine visits, our team will examine the sealants for signs of wear and recommend repairs or replacement if needed to maintain effective cavity protection in Reynoldsburg, OH.
In some situations, sealants may be placed over very early, non-cavitated areas of decay to help protect the tooth from further damage. However, if a cavity has already formed, restorative treatment is typically needed first. Our team will evaluate each tooth and recommend the most appropriate option.
No. Dental sealants provide extra protection for the chewing surfaces of teeth, but they do not protect every area of the mouth. Daily brushing, flossing, a balanced diet, and routine dental visits remain essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Although sealants are most commonly used for children and teenagers, many adults with healthy molars, deep grooves, or a higher risk of cavities may also benefit from this preventive treatment. Our team can determine whether dental sealants are a good choice for protecting your smile in Reynoldsburg, OH.
