SEALANTS IN CARY, NC

The best way to prevent cavities in children

It’s a sad truth: kids sometimes struggle to clean their back teeth (a.k.a. their molars). Unfortunately, it’s those teeth that hold the majority of leftover cavity-causing bacteria since they handle chewing most of your food. The small craters in the molars only make them even more susceptible to tooth decay. For kids who are just learning to brush, these back molars regularly prove to be weak spots that lead to many cavities.

To prevent kids from having molar cavities, dentists invented sealants. These thin, plastic coatings help protect the molars from tooth decay. On average, sealants reduce the risk of molar cavities by 80%. Kids still need to be avid brushers and flossers, but sealants can help keep your child’s teeth as cavity-free as possible during their younger years.

Sealants FAQ

Should my child get sealants?

Like most other dental offices, Stanley Dentistry recommends that children get sealants soon after their molars erupt. It’s a safe, easy, and pain-free way to keep your child’s teeth healthy. In the long run, they save families a lot of money.

When should my child get sealants?

Children usually get their first molars at six and their second molars at twelve. If you notice that your child’s molars have erupted, schedule an appointment at our Cary office. It’s best to put sealants on early to ensure that the molars start off (and stay) healthy.

How do you apply sealants?

Placing sealants is simple, fast, and painless. Dentists use an acidic gel to slightly roughen the chewing surface of the tooth. This increases the tooth’s ability to bond to the plastic sealant. After rinsing and drying the tooth, the dentist will place the sealant and harden it using a blue light.

Are there any side-effects of sealants?

Sealants are non-invasive and don’t require any surgery, sedation, or painkillers. Sealants are made of plastic and do not pose any harm to your child.

Are sealants covered by insurance?

Usually, insurance companies will cover sealants for children. If you want to make sure your insurance covers sealants, you can speak with our insurance specialist before your appointment.