Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Dental sealants are used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel, and are the best defense against early tooth decay.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro recommends sealants for pediatric patients to protect their teeth and get them on track for a life time of great oral health.  Most tooth decay in children and adolescents occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  A child’s molars first come in at 5-7 years of age, and a second set comes in between the ages of 11-14.  We recommend having a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

Sealants are applied to surfaces of these molars with a small brush, similar to paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens.  Now the surface is protected from food getting stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Tooth enamel is also protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can be reapplied if necessary, but once applied they effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.