Pediatric Dental Services
At Hometown Children's Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention rather than addressing dental problems after they develop. We are pleased to offer a range of preventive services, including dental sealants, to lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities. We invite you to visit our Ivyland office to learn more about safeguarding your child’s smile.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Your child's back teeth, the premolars and molars, have deep grooves and pits that trap food particles and plaque, providing bacteria with the ideal environment to flourish. That's why these back teeth are more prone to developing cavities.
Dental sealants are thin, clear or white coatings that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth. When applied, the sealant material flows into every groove or depression, smoothing the tooth surfaces and providing a protective coating. Dental sealants keep out plaque and food debris, significantly decreasing the risk of tooth decay on the treated tooth surfaces.
When Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants Applied?
The best time to place dental sealants is soon after a child's permanent molars come in - the first set usually emerges around age six, and the second set comes in around age 12. Placing dental sealants right from the start provides maximum protection against tooth decay.
But what if your child has missed the 6-year or 12-year mark? It's never too late to apply dental sealants to cavity-free teeth, so the best time to place sealants is now!
Are Dental Sealants Only for Permanent Teeth?
While dental sealants are typically recommended for permanent teeth, there are times when we may recommend placing sealants on primary teeth, especially if they have deep grooves that make them more susceptible to cavities. Applying sealants to these teeth early on can help protect them during their most vulnerable years.
What Is the Dental Sealants Application Process?
The dental sealant process is quick and painless. We will start by cleaning and drying your child's teeth. Next, we will apply a special gel to roughen the tooth surfaces to help the sealant material bond. A special light will cure the sealant material and help it harden. The entire process takes a matter of minutes to complete.
Maintaining Healthy, Cavity-Free Smiles
Placing dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of your child's molars and premolars is no substitute for good oral hygiene. Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly and limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
We recommend keeping up with your child's twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your little one’s smile to uncover and treat any concerns as they develop. We will also ensure the dental sealants remain intact. If there are signs of damage or wear, we may recommend replacing the sealants to maintain maximum protection against tooth decay.
Why a Pediatric Dentist Is Best for Children
Choosing a pediatric dentist to care for your child's smile offers numerous advantages, including the following:
- Pediatric dentists undergo two years of training after dental school to better care for the unique needs of children.
- They have extensive knowledge of a child’s oral growth and development from infancy through adolescence.
- Pediatric dentists have special training in addressing anxiety, medically compromised patients, and patients with special needs.
- Pediatric dentistry practices offer smaller, child-friendly equipment.
- Pediatric dentists have training and experience in child psychology to support positive behavior and reduce anxiety.
- They have knowledge about nutrition and preventive care to avoid dental disease in children.
Our team brings a wealth of experience, skill, and expertise to children in Ivyland and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to ensuring our young patients are cared for at the highest level and helping them develop positive associations with future dental care.
Here are some ways we ensure our young patients feel right at home:
- Our child-centered team is committed to creating a warm and comfortable office environment where your child feels safe and valued.
- We welcome you to accompany your child to the treatment room during most procedures.
- We use a cutting-edge intraosseous dental anesthesia delivery system to numb the area quickly with minimal discomfort, reducing fear and anxiety associated with dental visits.
- We offer sedation dentistry options to help even our most anxious patients feel calm and relaxed while receiving the best possible care.
- We take the time to hear you and your child, answer your questions, and address your concerns.
Why Choose Hometown Children's Dentistry?
Dental Sealants Near Me in Ivyland, PA
If you would like to learn more about safeguarding your child's teeth against cavities, contact Hometown Children's Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We will recommend the ideal preventive solution to keep your child's smile healthy and sound.
We invite you to call us at (215) 716-8830 to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduling today!