24300 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
248-354-6364Keeping your child’s smile healthy starts with daily care and regular dental appointments. For added protection against cavities, our dentist may recommend dental sealants. At Ultimate Smiles, Dr. Jasmeen Grewal provides dental sealants in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to help protect teeth from decay. Call 248-354-6364 to learn more and schedule an appointment with our dentist.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Molars have small grooves where food and bacteria can collect, even when your child brushes regularly. A sealant covers these grooves to help keep out the substances that can contribute to cavities.
Sealants are a preventive treatment. They do not replace brushing, flossing or regular dental care, but they can provide added protection for teeth that are at risk of decay.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Sealants are commonly recommended for children and teens, particularly as their permanent molars come in. Applying a sealant soon after a molar erupts can help protect its chewing surface during years when the tooth may be vulnerable to cavities.
Some adults may also benefit from sealants. Our dentist will examine the teeth and consider factors such as existing dental work, the condition of the tooth and the patient’s risk of decay before making a recommendation.
What to Expect When Getting Sealants
Applying a dental sealant is a simple process that can often be completed during a dental appointment. Our team will clean and dry the tooth, prepare its surface and apply the sealant material to the chewing surface. The material is then hardened to form a protective coating.
Our dentist will check the sealant and answer any questions you or your child may have. Sealant placement is generally comfortable and does not require the removal of tooth structure.
How Do Dental Sealants Protect Teeth?
Back teeth do much of the work of chewing and have grooves that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of these teeth, creating a barrier that helps protect them from decay.
By helping prevent cavities, sealants may reduce the need for treatment such as dental fillings. Our dentist will discuss whether sealants are appropriate for your child and which teeth may benefit from treatment.
Caring for Teeth With Sealants
Teeth with sealants still need daily care. Encourage your child to brush twice a day, floss daily and attend regular dental cleaning and exam appointments. Our team will check the sealants during dental appointments and let you know if they need to be repaired or replaced.
Experienced Preventive Dental Care
Dr. Grewal has provided more than 1,000 dental sealant treatments throughout her career. She and our team take time to explain preventive care options and help families feel comfortable making decisions about their smiles.
To learn more about dental sealants in Farmington Hills, MI, call Ultimate Smiles at 248-354-6364 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. We will be happy to examine your child’s teeth and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
When should my child get dental sealants?
Sealants are often recommended when a child’s permanent molars come in. Our dentist will check your child’s teeth during regular appointments and discuss whether and when sealants may be appropriate.
Does getting sealants hurt?
Applying sealants is generally comfortable. Our team cleans and prepares the tooth before applying the protective material. Sealant placement does not typically require numbing or removal of tooth structure.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can protect teeth for several years, but they may wear or become damaged over time. Our team will check them during regular dental appointments and recommend repair or replacement if needed.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces where they are applied, but they do not cover every surface of a tooth. Brushing, flossing and regular dental care remain important for preventing cavities and maintaining healthy gums.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Some adults may benefit from sealants on teeth that are at risk of decay. Our dentist can examine your teeth and discuss whether sealants are a good preventive option for you.
How do I schedule an appointment for dental sealants in Farmington Hills, MI?
Call Ultimate Smiles at 248-354-6364 to schedule an appointment with our dentist. We will examine your child’s teeth, discuss preventive care and answer your questions about dental sealants.