Dental Sealants

Cavity prevention is a must for your child’s dental health. However, even with the best efforts for your child’s dental care, issues can still arise. Fortunately, we have a plan for them.

In addition to brushing and flossing, dental sealants are a highly effective solution for preventing decay and preserving children’s dental health as their teeth grow. These thin, hard protective layers are applied to children’s teeth as extra protection against tooth decay as your toddler or young child learns healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing.

If you’re looking for special needs dentistry in Chicago, dental sealants are also an excellent option for these patients and their oral health.

What is a Dental Sealant?

Sometimes brushing and flossing isn’t enough to treat hard-to-reach parts of the mouth—especially for pediatric patients who are just learning how to properly care for their teeth. If left untouched, food debris on teeth creates plaque and bacteria that break down enamel.

For young patients whose teeth are still developing, decay can be detrimental and lead to the destruction of baby teeth. This leads to expensive oral health damage later in life.

Dental sealants are a preventative treatment, meaning they stop bacteria buildup before it can even start. Applied to the biting and chewing surfaces of baby teeth, they protect the developing surfaces of these teeth from decay and plaque.

How are Dental Sealants Applied?

The sealant application process is quick, easy and painless, making it perfect for children.

First, our team evaluates each tooth to make sure there is no preexisting sign of decay. If decay is spotted, this will need to be treated instead.

Next, we apply a thin layer of resin coating to the chewing and biting surface of the teeth. To ensure quick drying, we use a special light that hardens the sealant instantly.

Applying a sealant only takes a few minutes per tooth. Like a dental filling, if properly cared for a sealant can last for several years—the perfect amount of time to protect a baby tooth before it falls out and the permanent adult tooth comes in!

How do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants are healthy, safe, affordable and effective for protecting baby teeth. The resin coating we apply to your child’s teeth is smooth to the touch, but tough in terms of protection. It keeps bacteria from attaching to the tooth, and also smooths the tooth so brushing is easier.

Looking for Pediatric Dental Sealants in Chicago?

At Dentistry at Millennium Park, our team specializes in preventative dentistry for children. Call our office at (312) 750-9000 to discuss sealants for your child!