Dental Sealants in St. Petersburg, FL

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment used to protect the deep grooves of back teeth from plaque and food particles. By creating a smooth, protective barrier, sealants help lower the risk of cavities in areas that are difficult to clean with brushing alone.

This quick, painless treatment is especially beneficial for children with newly erupted molars or a history of tooth decay.

We offer dental sealants at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a type of tooth-colored liquid resin used to coat the grooves and pits found on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. 

Once hardened, this smooth layer acts like a protective shield, blocking out bacteria, food particles, and plaque from settling into the hard-to-clean areas of molars and premolars.

This protective coating is especially useful for molars, which have deep grooves that are hard to clean thoroughly with regular brushing. By sealing these hard-to-reach spots, sealants make brushing more effective and lower the risk of tooth decay.

Smart Protection for Cavity-Prone Teeth

Your child’s molars are some of the most important teeth for chewing and oral development, but they are also the most vulnerable to tooth decay.

Here’s why dental sealants are such an effective solution:

• Sealants act as a barrier, shielding the tooth enamel from acid from bacteria.
• They help prevent dental decay and reduce the need for future dental fillings.
• They are especially helpful for misshapen teeth, center teeth, and decay-prone back teeth.
• Sealants are part of a strong preventive care routine alongside fluoride treatments, professional cleaning, and good oral hygiene habits.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?

We typically recommend sealants for:

• Children with newly erupted six-year molars or permanent teeth
• Kids with crooked teeth or hard-to-reach spots that make brushing difficult
• Kids with a history of cavities or at higher risk for cavities
• Some younger children with baby teeth that have deep grooves or are cavity-prone

While it is more common to seal permanent teeth, we may also recommend sealants for primary teeth on a case-by-case basis, depending on your child’s needs.

If you are wondering whether sealants are right for your child, we are happy to evaluate their needs during a regular dental checkup and walk you through your options.

The Dental Sealant Procedure

Getting a dental sealant is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It usually takes just a few minutes per tooth and involves no drilling or numbing.

Here is what the process looks like:

1. Cleaning procedure: We start by cleaning the tooth surfaces to remove any plaque buildup or food particles.
2. Drying: Each tooth is dried and kept dry with cotton or gauze.
3. Special solution: We apply a gentle etching solution that helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
4. Rinsing and drying: The etching solution is rinsed away, and the tooth is dried thoroughly.
5. Sealant application: We paint on the liquid solution sealant material, covering all grooves and pits.
6. Curing light: A special curing light hardens the plastic resin, locking it into place.

After the procedure, your child can eat and drink right away, and the sealants will begin protecting their natural teeth immediately.

Long-Lasting Protection with Proper Care

With proper care and routine dental visits, sealants can offer long-lasting protection against dental decay for several years. During checkups, we check for any wear or chipping and reapply if needed.

To help sealants last:

• Encourage daily brushing and flossing around sealed areas
• Maintain a healthy diet that limits acidic foods and sugary snacks
• Schedule regular visits for professional cleaning and dental x-rays when necessary

Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids

When paired with regular oral care routines, dental sealants offer powerful protection for your child’s smile:

• Shield teeth from harmful bacteria and plaque buildup
• Protects the enamel from plaque and acid-producing bacteria
• Reduces the likelihood of developing a decayed tooth
• Saves families time and money by reducing the need for more invasive dental treatments
• Supports a beautiful smile and lifelong oral health

Frequently Asked Questions