When it comes to our children’s oral health, prevention is always better than cure. That’s why at Westside Dental Clinic, we’re huge advocates for preventative dental care, such as dental sealants – a safe, efficient, and proactive measure to guard your child’s teeth against decay. If you’re a parent, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about dental sealants.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants (also known as fissure sealants) are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars).  These areas are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay due to their deep grooves and crevices, making them difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush alone.

Think of dental sealants as a “helmet” for your child’s teeth. The sealant material is typically a safe and painless resin that bonds to the tooth’s surface, creating a barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from settling into these hard-to-reach areas. By sealing off these vulnerable spots, dental sealants act as a shield against cavities.

Why Consider Dental Sealants for Your Child?

Cavity Prevention: Sealants have been clinically proven to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially significant considering that 90% of cavities occur in the molars. By sealing off the chewing surfaces, they create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that reduces the risk of decay caused by trapped food and bacteria.

Simple & Painless: Applying dental sealants is a painless and non-invasive procedure. It doesn’t require drilling or removing any tooth structure. Your child won’t even realize when the sealant application is over. It’s that quick and painless!

Cost-Effective: Preventing cavities through sealants is far more cost-effective than treating cavities that require fillings or more extensive dental work. 

When Should Dental Sealants Be Applied?

The ideal time for dental sealants is as soon as your child’s permanent molars and premolars emerge, typically around ages 6 and 12. However, sealants can be beneficial to various stages, especially for adults whose teeth are more prone to cavities. It’s always worth discussing with our dentists during your consultation. 

What is the procedure like?

Getting dental sealants for your child at Westside Dental Clinic in St Albans is a straightforward process:

1. Cleaning: The tooth or teeth receiving the sealant are cleaned thoroughly.

2. Surface Prep: A conditioning solution is used to prepare the tooth, allowing the sealant to bond effectively.

3. Sealant Application: Our dentist then delicately paints on the sealant, solidifying it often with a specialized light.

4. Final check: Our dentist will ensure that the sealant has bonded correctly and make any necessary adjustments.

How Long Do They Last?

With proper care, dental sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years. However, they need to be checked for chipping or wear during regular dental check-ups.

Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) & Dental Sealants

For parents mindful of costs, it’s essential to know that dental sealants are among the treatments covered under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS). If your child is aged between 2 and 17, they might qualify for this scheme. We recommend checking your child’s eligibility for the CDBS and consulting with our team to maximize the benefits available to you.

To check your child’s eligibility, access your Medicare online account at my.gov.au or call the Medicare general inquiries line on 132 011.

Guarding your child’s teeth against cavities from an early age is a choice you won’t regret. Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and practical step towards this goal. Don’t wait until cavities become a concern – be proactive and schedule an appointment for your family today.

Contact Westside Dental Clinic at (03) 9366 2268 to book an appointment or learn more about how we can help your family maintain excellent oral health!