Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a quick, painless and effective way to provide you and your child with the best defense against dental caries, also known as cavities. Our professional and friendly hygienists at Olympia Hills Family Dental would love to explain the process of placing dental sealants in both you and your child and answer any questions you may have.

Here are the three easy steps to providing you and your child with dental sealants:

1. The hygienist cleans the teeth with a special cleaning agent.
2. Next, they apply the sealant material over the tooth and let it flow into all the tiny spaces.
3. A special blue light is used to cure and harden the sealant material.

Why should you and your children get dental sealants?

Did you know the most prevalent disease among school age children is dental decay? The Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization both recognize dental caries as the top pediatric disease and the top reason for children missing school. Untreated dental caries can lead to other health problems and in extreme circumstances, even death.

While these facts are alarming, it’s important to know dental sealants can dramatically reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. A clinical study by the ADA shows that dental sealants reduce the risk of decay by 86% within the first year. Most dental insurances also realize the importance of sealants and offer them as a covered benefit for your family.

Dental sealants are an important dental tool to both you and your child’s health because teeth naturally contain pits and fissures that are too small for any toothbrush to fit into but are perfect for bacteria. These bacteria, called Streptococcus mutans, set up house and get to work destroying teeth. Dental sealants flow into tiny grooves blocking bacteria from entering and providing you and your child with a healthier, happier smile.

Screening for dental sealants is part of Olympia Hills Family Dental’s comprehensive exam and cleaning appointments. Schedule your family appointments to learn more. We’ll show you why Olympia Hills Family Dental provides dentistry worth smiling about.

Want to Know More?

• How old should children be to receive sealants?
• How long do dental sealants last?
• How much are dental sealants?

Call us at (210) 658-3131 and we’ll gladly answer any questions you have.