Dental Sealants Upper Westside Manhattan

Dental sealants are now the standard of care for children and teenagers, and highly recommended for adults – especially those prone to cavities. 
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where food particles and bacteria often collect. They act as a barrier against decay. No drills, no shots, one visit.  It is important to note that sealants cannot be physically applied in between the teeth, so to prevent cavities in these tight areas, it is important to floss nightly.  

Why Are Sealants Important?

Children’s molars have naturally deep grooves and pits that can be difficult to clean with brushing alone. In fact, tooth brush bristles cannot fit into these tiny areas.  Sealants help prevent bacteria and plaque from settling into those hard-to-reach spaces.  The types of foods that we regularly snack on tend to be the culprit – simple carbohydrates.  Think: dry, crunchy, sticky foods like crackers, pretzels, Goldfish, chips, dried fruit, gummies.  Be sure to drink water after these kinds of snacks, and reduce the frequency and length of snack times.  

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

• Helps prevent cavities in adult teeth; on a case-by-case basis for baby teeth
• Quick, painless, and non-invasive treatment
• Makes teeth easier to keep clean
• Reduces the need for future dental treatment
• Lasts ~2-3+ years, depending on several factors. Daily wear and tear.  Eating hard, crunchy foods wear down sealants more quickly, as does clenching & grinding habits.  Maintaining good oral hygiene improves outcomes. 
• Often times we “re-seal” teeth every few years to keep them protected.  It is expected that they wear down over time.  The goal is to keep these molars protected as the mouth is developing, since they are the most important teeth for proper chewing and maintaining a functional bite.  
• No noted risks

What to Expect During the Procedure

Applying dental sealants is fast and comfortable:

1. The teeth are cleaned and dried
2. A special “shampoo” is applied to clean the tooth surface
3. The sealant material is painted onto the grooves of the tooth – similar to nail polish but for teeth!
4. A curing light hardens the sealant into place

The entire process usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.

When Should Children & Teens Get Sealants?

Sealants are commonly recommended when permanent molars first erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. However, every child is different, and the dentist will recommend the best timing based on your child’s needs.  Teenagers about to graduate from high school are very good candidates for sealants, as eating habits tend to change as they get older and risk of cavities can increase (ie late night studying & snacking).  

Protecting Healthy Smiles

Dental sealants are one of the easiest ways to help prevent cavities and support long-term oral health. Our team is dedicated to helping children maintain healthy, confident smiles through preventive dental care. Contact our office today to learn more or schedule an appointment.