Dental Sealants – Carrollton, TX

Creating a Barrier Between Enamel and Bad Bacteria

Children often have difficulty brushing and cleaning certain areas of their mouth. The premolars and molars (back teeth) are often the hardest to reach and can easily be neglected if proper measures are not taken to protect these pearly whites from bad bacteria. If plaque begins to accumulate in the pits and grooves of these chewing teeth, cavities can form, which will require restorative treatments to repair (i.e. tooth-colored filling or dental crown). At DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton, our team can combat this common problem using dental sealants in Carrollton. These plastic coatings create a barrier between your child’s tooth enamel and any bad bacteria that may try to penetrate. To find out how you can take the next step in protecting your child’s teeth from decay, contact our office.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A young boy seated in the dentist’s chair and preparing to have dental sealants in Carrollton placed on his back teeth

Dental sealants are thin, plastic, protective coatings that are placed over back teeth that contain numerous pits and grooves. Known as “back teeth,” their chewing surfaces make it easy for bad bacteria to penetrate the tooth enamel and burrow inside, effectively causing decay and cavities to form.

To prevent this from happening, Dr. Durga can apply dental sealants to these teeth during a routine dental checkup and cleaning. According to a 2016 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”

The process is quick, seamless, and completely painless and can last for about 5 years with proper care and maintenance.

How Does the Process Work?

A dentist examining a child’s back molars

Before Dr. Durga begins to apply the dental sealants to your child’s teeth, she will make sure their smile is thoroughly cleaned and dry before applying an acidic substance to their teeth. This material will roughen the surface of their molars and ensure that the sealant properly adheres to the chewing surface, creating a strong bond.

Once this is completed, the acidic substance will be rinsed off and it will be necessary for her to dry your child’s teeth once again. The final step will be to apply the dental sealant to the chewing surface, making sure the pits and grooves are effectively covered. Using a specialized light, your child’s dentist in Carrollton will hold it in place and allow the sealant to harden.

Who is Eligible to Receive Dental Sealants?

A dentist using a curing light to harden the plastic dental sealant on a patient’s back tooth

While both children and adults can receive dental sealants, they are often most beneficial to younger patients, especially those who are at least 6 years of age. The reason is that permanent molars tend to erupt around this time and the sooner you apply sealants, the greater the benefit.

By agreeing to better protect your child’s molars from the moment they erupt will ensure these often hard-to-reach teeth remain cavity-free from the very beginning. Not only will this save you time and money in the long run, but it will set them up for a positive pathway to better oral health.