Dental Sealants

Since the back teeth can be hard to reach with a toothbrush head, cavities can develop quite easily. The premolars and molars are complex chewing mechanisms, full of deep pits and fissures. These grooves are hiding spaces for leftover food particles, bacteria, and plaque. For that reason, the back-chewing surfaces are most prone to plaque buildup and cavities. It is a challenge for children and adults to effectively clean the rear of the mouth.

Pediatric Dental Sealants

That’s why at Burch Dental we recommend dental sealants for children as soon as their adult back molars erupt. But, if your youngster has deep grooves in other teeth (permanent or primary), your dentist may suggest sealing these surfaces as well.

How are dental sealants applied at Burch Dental?

The process of applying tooth sealants in Loves Park and Rockford is quick and painless:

• The first step is to perform a dental cleaning at Burch Dental, then the teeth surfaces are dried. Cotton is placed on the treatment areas to keep out moisture.
• A solution is put on the treatment area. This acidic agent roughens the surface, so the sealant can adhere better to the tooth. The solution is then rinsed off, the area is dried, and new cotton is placed.
• Then, the clear layer is painted onto the chewing surfaces. The protectant seeps down deep into the nooks and crannies of each treated tooth.
  Dental sealants harden quickly, forming a long-lasting protective shield.

Dental Sealants for Children

Never forget, that diligent oral care is still needed after sealants are placed. Kids with dental sealants are not instantly immune to getting cavities. After all, the layer of protective resin is only applied to one surface of specific back teeth. The untreated tooth surfaces are still vulnerable to decay. Dental sealants in Loves Park and Rockford provide valuable cavity-fighting protection, but it doesn’t take the place of good oral hygiene habits. We still encourage twice daily brushing, flossing once a day and twice-yearly visits to Burch Dental to maintain optimal oral health. Give us a call to book your appointment today.