Our dentist in Roanoke might suggest dental sealants for your child during a visit to our office. Sealants are a way to protect your teeth against decay. With any dental treatment, it helps to understand the procedure and how it can impact your child’s oral health.
Why Get Sealants?
Sealants help to prevent tooth decay. Sealants are applied on the back teeth, where decay is most likely to develop. Our dentist will often recommend sealants for children and teens, but adults may benefit from sealants, as well.
The further your teeth are in the back of your mouth, the more difficult it can be to maintain the proper hygiene needed to keep them healthy. Sealants can prevent up to 80% of decay within the first two years alone. After 4 years, sealants continue to prevent as much as 50% of decay. Children without sealants are more than three times as likely to develop tooth decay than those with sealants.
When Should You Get Them?
Your child’s first molars usually become visible around age 6, with the second set around age 12. You will want to talk to us about the best course of action for keeping molars healthy. Sealants are most effective when they are done as soon as the molars break through. Regular examinations with our dentist will determine the best time to have sealants applied.
What Should I Expect?
Sealants are one of the simplest treatments we perform in our office. There is generally no discomfort associated with this process. We will first thoroughly clean your child’s teeth, and then use a special gel. The gel is then cleaned off before the sealant is applied. A small blue light is used to harden the sealant in a matter of moments.
What Concerns Should I Have?
There are no side-effects from sealants, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, talk to our doctor about any allergies your child has so we can discuss the best possible course of action.
Next Steps
Sealants last for years before needing to be reapplied. It is important to schedule regular visits to our office so that our dentist can check the condition of the sealants and teeth on an ongoing basis. If your child had sealants several years ago and you are unsure if they should be reapplied, schedule an appointment with our Roanoke, VA dental team.
For more tips on keeping teeth healthy and for questions about dental sealants, contact our dental office in Roanoke, VA.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Priyanka Dutt, DDS, is the Founder and Clinical Leader of Opulent Dental, overseeing clinical standards and patient care across all Opulent Dental offices, including Mill Mountain Dentistry By Opulent Dental in Roanoke.
Insurance & payment options
Dental Insurances and Finances
At Mill Mountain Dentistry By Opulent Dental, we understand that patient finances are important, so we accept and are able to file most commercial and private dental insurances.
Plans we accept and file include Anthem Blue Cross, Guardian, Cigna, Lincoln Financial Group, Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, GEHA, Ameritas, Principal and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage depends on your plan, so call +1 540-769-6370 with your insurance information if you have questions about your benefits.
- CareCredit accepted
- In-house payment plans
- VIP Membership savings plan
- No dental insurance? No problem