At Attar Dental, we are dedicated to helping your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. One way we can do this is through dental sealants. If our dentist in Libertyville suggests sealants for your child, it’s because this treatment offers excellent protection against tooth decay. Understanding how sealants work can help you make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.
Why Choose Dental Sealants?
Sealants are a preventive treatment designed to shield teeth from decay. They are applied to the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. While dental sealants are often recommended for children and teens, adults can benefit from them too.
The molars, located at the back of the mouth, are more difficult to clean thoroughly, which increases the risk of decay. Dental sealants can reduce decay by up to 80% within the first two years of application. Even after four years, sealants continue to protect against 50% of decay. Research shows that children without sealants are more than three times as likely to develop cavities compared to those who have them.
When Is the Best Time for Sealants?
Typically, a child’s first set of molars becomes visible around age 6, and the second set erupts around age 12. These are the ideal times to consider sealants. At Attar Dental, we will work with you to determine the best time to apply sealants based on your child’s dental development. Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the molars have fully emerged. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and apply sealants at the right time.
What Should You Expect During the Procedure?
Applying dental sealants is a simple and painless process. Our Libertyville dentist will first clean your child’s teeth thoroughly, ensuring they are free from any debris. A special gel is then applied to prepare the surface, and after a quick rinse, the sealant is painted onto the teeth. A blue light is used to harden the sealant within seconds, creating a strong barrier against decay.
What Are the Concerns?
Sealants are safe, with no known side effects. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, but if your child has any known allergies, be sure to discuss them with our dental team so we can take the best possible approach to treatment.
Next Steps for Your Child’s Oral Health
Dental sealants can last for several years, but it’s important to maintain regular checkups at Attar Dental. During these visits, we will monitor the condition of the sealants and determine if they need to be reapplied. If your child had sealants applied several years ago and you’re unsure if they need to be refreshed, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our office.
For more tips on keeping your child’s teeth healthy or to learn more about dental sealants, contact Attar Dental today. Your dentist in Libertyville is here to help protect and preserve your child’s smile!