Sealants offer a simple way to reduce your child's risk of developing cavities. These protective coatings are among the many services and 
treatments provided by your Katonah, NY, dentists, Drs. Enyoung Park and Terry Lin of ParkLin Dental. Read on to learn what sealants can do for your child!
Why should I consider sealants for my child?
Small pits and grooves in the pre-molars and molars at the back of your child's mouth make chewing and tearing food a little easier. Unfortunately, cavity-causing plaque often builds up in the pits, a presence that ultimately increases your son or daughter's risk of tooth decay.
Although your toothbrush does a good job of removing plaque on most parts of your teeth, the bristles are too big to reach the smaller pits and grooves. Luckily, sealants prevent cavities by covering the chewing surfaces of pre-molars and molars with a clear coating made of plastic-based resin. This resin stops plaque from reaching the pits and grooves, thus boosting your child's dental health!
When should my child receive sealants?
Sealants should be applied soon after your child's permanent pre-molars and molars erupt. These teeth are often a bit weak and more susceptible to tooth decay when they first appear.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants usually last about 10 years, although they may wear away sooner if your child grinds or clenches their teeth. Your child's Katonah dentist will examine the conditions of the sealants during checkups and recommend reapplication if necessary.
Can adults get sealants?
While sealants can help adults reduce cavities, dental insurance may not cover the cost of the coatings if you're an adult.
Does it take long to place the sealants on my child's teeth?
Applying sealants only takes a few minutes. After your son or daughter's teeth are cleaned, an etching solution is applied. This solution helps the sealants adhere to the teeth. After application, the liquid sealants are hardened with a curing light, and then your child will be all set!
Give us a call!
Would you like to protect your child from the dangers of tooth decay? If so, call your Katonah, NY, dentists, Drs. Enyoung Park and Terry Lin of ParkLin Dental, at (914) 232-8182 to schedule an appointment!