20
Apr
Dental sealants really work to protect against 90% of cavities
Nine out of every 10 cavities occur in the back teeth. Naturally, these teeth are hard to reach, especially for young patients with developing motor skills and small mouths. There are also other challenges associated with premolars and molars, which make them particularly decay-prone. Shine Dental Arts has an effective, affordable, painless, and easy solution to prevent cavities and other forms of progressive tooth decay: dental sealants.
What are dental sealants?
This preventative treatment at our Ahwatukee office in Phoenix, Arizona, involves applying a special sealant material. The material is clear, thin, and perfectly safe. When applied to the decay-prone back teeth, these thin coverings “seal out” food particles that can become trapped in the grooved chewing surfaces. These unique features of the backmost teeth make them especially vulnerable to the development of plaque, which contributes to progressive tooth decay and gum disease.
How do you apply sealants?
One of our dentists, Drs. Vanessa L. Quihuis or Anthony F.R. Quihuis will comfortably and quickly “prep” your child’s teeth. This involves cleaning the teeth, drying them, and applying a conditioning liquid or gel. The gel helps to ensure the tightest and strongest bond between the sealant material and the natural tooth structure. Then, they precisely brush on the sealant as a liquid. This allows the protective material to penetrate deeply into the uneven pits or fissures where food becomes “stuck.” Food can no longer seep into these grooves once the covering is placed over them. The final step is to secure and harden the sealant with a special curing light. We will check your child’s bite to make sure everything feels fine.
So, my child should not feel the sealants in their mouth?
That is correct – the sealant is not obtrusive in any way. They should not feel anything “funny” in their mouth. They will also be able to eat and otherwise use their teeth naturally. Sealants are designed to be easily incorporated into our patients’ lives. The placement and ongoing evaluation of sealants can be done during regular checkups. It takes just minutes. There is no special care. As indicated, we will check the condition of the sealant during routine appointments.
How effective are sealants?
Very! The CDC reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth over a two-year time period. Again, this is where the vast majority of cavities develop. By applying sealants, we can dramatically reduce the overall incidence of cavities in childhood.
When should my child get sealants?
It is generally advised to get sealants as soon as a child’s back teeth erupt. The first and second permanent molars typically start to come in between the ages of five to seven and 11 to 14.
Why should I choose Shine Dental Arts?
Professional preventative services at our Phoenix, Arizona office in Ahwatukee are a powerful part of a healthy oral hygiene regimen. However, they must be combined with good home care. We can advise you on oral care that supports the healthiest and happiest start for your child. Call (480) 893-3072 to speak with a team member and schedule an appointment today.
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Drs. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Anthony F.R. Quihuis
At Shine Dental Arts, Dr. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Dr. Anthony F.R. Quihuis combine their expertise and passion to deliver compassionate, high-quality dental care. Together, they create a welcoming environment where advanced techniques, innovative technology, and genuine patient relationships come first. Their shared commitment to continuing education ensures patients receive the benefits of modern dentistry with personalized treatment tailored to each individual. As a united team, they focus on building healthy, confident smiles through comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative care. At Shine Dental Arts, their collaboration reflects a deep dedication to trust, comfort, and excellence in every patient experience.