Pediatric Dental Sealants in Bellingham

Pediatric Dental Sealants Consultation and Assessment

At London Dental Specialists, our pediatric dental sealants consultation and assessment is the crucial first step in protecting your child's teeth from decay. Our experienced dentists thoroughly examine your child's mouth to determine if dental sealants are appropriate.

During this initial visit, we:

• Evaluate your child's overall oral health, including checking for existing cavities or other dental issues


• Assess the condition of your child's molars and premolars, which are the primary candidates for sealant application


• Discuss your child's dental history and habits to determine their risk for cavities


• Explain the sealant procedure and answer any questions you or your child may have

Our dentists recommend sealants for children between the ages of 6 and 14, as this is when their permanent molars typically emerge. However, we may suggest sealants for younger children if their baby teeth have deep grooves or are at high risk for decay.

What to Expect During the Consultation

1. Dental Examination: We use specialised tools to check your child's teeth, looking for signs of decay or other issues that might affect sealant application.


2. X-rays: If necessary, we may take x-rays to get a more detailed view of your child's teeth and detect any hidden decay.


3. Risk Assessment: We evaluate factors such as diet, oral hygiene habits, and family history to determine your child's cavity risk.


4. Treatment Plan: Based on our findings, we'll create a personalised treatment plan, which may include sealant application and other preventive measures.

Our goal is to ensure that your child receives the most appropriate and effective dental care. If we determine that sealants are beneficial, we'll schedule the application procedure, typically within a week of the initial consultation.

Benefits of Choosing London Dental Specialists for Pediatric Dental Sealants

• Experienced pediatric dental specialists who understand children's unique dental needs


• State-of-the-art dental technology for accurate assessments and effective treatments


• Child-friendly environment to help your little one feel comfortable and relaxed


• Comprehensive approach to dental care, combining sealants with other preventive measures as needed

By choosing London Dental Specialists for your child's dental sealants, you're taking a proactive step towards ensuring their long-term oral health. Our thorough consultation and assessment process sets the foundation for effective cavity prevention, giving your child the best chance at a healthy, cavity-free smile.

Pediatric Dental Sealants Custom Treatment Plan

At London Dental Specialists, we create a personalised treatment plan for your child's dental sealants based on the initial consultation and assessment. Our custom approach ensures the most effective protection against tooth decay for your child's unique dental needs.

Key Components of Our Custom Treatment Plan

• Tooth Selection: We identify which teeth are most suitable for sealant application, typically focusing on molars and premolars with deep grooves.


• Timing Strategy: We determine the optimal timing for sealant application, considering factors such as tooth eruption and your child's cavity risk.


• Preparation Requirements: We outline any necessary preparatory steps, such as professional cleaning or treatment of minor decay.


• Sealant Material Choice: We select the most appropriate sealant material based on your child's needs and dental characteristics.

Customised Sealant Application Process

1. Tooth Cleaning: We thoroughly clean the selected teeth to ensure proper sealant adhesion.


2. Etching: A special gel is applied to roughen the tooth surface, allowing the sealant to bond effectively.


3. Sealant Application: We carefully apply the sealant material to the prepared tooth surfaces.


4. Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant, creating a durable protective barrier.


5. Final Check: We ensure the sealant is properly placed and doesn't interfere with your child's bite.

Follow-up Care and Maintenance Plan

Our custom treatment plan includes a comprehensive follow-up strategy:

• Regular Check-ups: We schedule periodic examinations to assess the condition of the sealants.


• Reapplication Schedule: If needed, we plan for sealant reapplication to maintain optimal protection.


• Oral Hygiene Guidance: We provide tailored advice on maintaining good oral hygiene with sealants in place.


• Dietary Recommendations: We offer guidance on foods and drinks that may affect sealant longevity.

Benefits of Our Custom Treatment Approach

• Targeted Protection: Sealants are applied only where they're most needed, maximising effectiveness.


• Long-term Cavity Prevention: Our tailored approach helps ensure sealants last for years, providing extended protection against decay.


• Cost-Effective Care: By focusing on high-risk areas, we provide efficient and economical preventive care.


• Minimised Discomfort: Our precise application process ensures your child's comfort throughout the treatment.

At London Dental Specialists, our custom treatment plan for pediatric dental sealants is designed to provide your child with the best possible protection against cavities. By tailoring our approach to your child's specific needs, we ensure effective, long-lasting results that contribute to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Pediatric Dental Sealants Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our pediatric dental sealants treatment procedure is a quick, painless process designed to protect your child's teeth from decay. Following the consultation and custom treatment plan, we proceed with the actual application of sealants.

The Sealant Application Process

1. Tooth Preparation: We thoroughly clean the teeth selected for sealant application, removing any plaque or debris.


2. Drying: The teeth are dried completely to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant material.


3. Etching: A special gel is applied to slightly roughen the tooth surface, creating a better bonding surface for the sealant.


4. Rinsing and Re-drying: The etching gel is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.


5. Sealant Application: We carefully paint the liquid sealant onto the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.


6. Curing: A special blue light is used to harden the sealant, forming a protective shield over the tooth.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Duration: The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth.


• Comfort: The procedure is painless and doesn't require any drilling or anaesthesia.


• Immediate Results: Sealants start protecting teeth as soon as they're applied and hardened.

Post-Treatment Care

After the sealant application, we provide guidance on:

• Eating and Drinking: Your child can eat and drink normally immediately after the procedure.


• Oral Hygiene: We offer advice on maintaining good oral hygiene practices with sealants in place.


• Follow-up Visits: We schedule regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the sealants.

Benefits of Our Sealant Application Technique

• Precision Application: Our experienced dentists ensure complete coverage of vulnerable tooth surfaces.


• Long-lasting Protection: Our high-quality sealants can last for several years with proper care.


• Minimised Risk: We use BPA-free sealants to ensure the safest treatment for your child.

At London Dental Specialists, we prioritise your child's comfort and long-term oral health. Our pediatric dental sealants treatment procedure is a simple yet effective way to protect your child's teeth from decay, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Post Pediatric Dental Sealants Treatment Care

Proper aftercare is essential for maximising the effectiveness and longevity of your child's dental sealants. At London Dental Specialists, we provide comprehensive guidance to ensure your child's newly applied sealants offer optimal protection against tooth decay for years to come.

Immediate Aftercare Instructions

• Normal eating and drinking can resume immediately after the procedure


• Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the sealants to fully set


• Chew carefully on newly sealed teeth for the first few days


• Report any discomfort or bite irregularities promptly if your child experiences them

Long-Term Maintenance of Dental Sealants

With proper care, dental sealants can protect your child's teeth for 3-10 years. To ensure maximum longevity:

1. Maintain regular dental check-ups every six months so we can monitor the condition of the sealants


2. Continue thorough brushing and flossing twice daily, as sealants protect only the chewing surfaces


3. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen all tooth surfaces, complementing the protection provided by sealants


4. Limit sugary foods and drinks which can still cause decay on unsealed surfaces

Signs That Sealants May Need Attention

Parents should be aware of these indicators that sealants may need repair or replacement:

• Visible chips or cracks in the sealant material


• Rough edges that your child can feel with their tongue


• Discomfort when chewing on sealed teeth


• Changes in the appearance of the sealed teeth

Follow-Up Care at London Dental Specialists

Our comprehensive post-treatment care includes:

• Scheduled follow-up appointments to assess sealant integrity


• Touch-up applications if any sealant material has worn away


• Personalised oral hygiene guidance tailored to your child's specific needs


• Preventive advice to support overall dental health alongside sealant protection

At London Dental Specialists, we believe that proper aftercare is just as important as the initial application. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide support throughout your child's dental sealant journey. By following our aftercare recommendations, you'll help ensure that your child enjoys the full protective benefits of dental sealants, significantly reducing their risk of tooth decay during the cavity-prone years between ages 6 and 14.