Dental Sealants For Kids Harlem

Dental Sealants

Contact us today to learn more about our Dental Sealants or to schedule an appointment. Let us help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in the most comfortable way possible.

How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities in Kids? 

Dental sealants are an easy yet highly effective way to protect children’s teeth from cavities. These thin, protective layers are applied to the back teeth, where cavities may potentially develop. Here’s how they work:

Creating a Physical Barrier

The grooves on the surfaces of molars are natural traps for food particles and plaque. Even with regular brushing, these hard-to-reach areas can be challenging to keep clean. Sealants form a smooth, protective layer over these vulnerable areas, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck and causing decay.

Blocking Acid Attacks

When bacteria break down food, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel and form cavities. By sealing off the tooth’s surface, sealants shield the enamel from these harmful acids.

Reducing the Need for Fillings

Cavities can lead to discomfort and the need for restorative treatments like fillings, which can be both costly and time-consuming. This treatment acts as a proactive measure, significantly reducing the risk of decay and helping kids maintain strong, healthy teeth.

Complementing Good Oral Hygiene

While sealants are not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing, they are an excellent addition to a child’s dental care routine. Combined with fluoride treatments, proper hygiene, and regular dental check-ups, sealants can provide comprehensive cavity protection.

Dental Sealant Application Process 

Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and straightforward, making it an ideal preventive treatment for kids. Here’s what you can expect during the application:

 

  1. Cleaning the Teeth: Dr. Laurie begins by thoroughly cleaning the teeth to remove any food particles, plaque, or debris. This ensures the sealant adheres properly to the tooth surface.
  2. Preparing the Tooth Surface: After cleaning, a special gel is applied to the chewing area of the tooth. This gel lightly etches the enamel, creating a rough texture that helps the sealant bond securely.
  3. Rinsing and Drying: The gel is rinsed, and the tooth is dried completely. Keeping the tooth dry during the process is essential to ensure the sealant bonds effectively.
  4. Applying the Sealant: The dental professional carefully paints the sealant onto the tooth’s grooves and pits using a small brush or applicator. The liquid sealant flows into the tiny crevices, forming a protective coating.
  5. Hardening the Sealant: To set the sealant, a special curing light is used to harden the material within seconds. Once hardened, the sealant becomes a durable shield against cavities.
  6. Final Check: The dentist will check to ensure the sealant has properly adhered to the tooth and that the bite remains comfortable. Any necessary adjustments will be made at this stage.

 

The entire procedure generally takes a few minutes per tooth, and it’s completely pain-free. Generally, sealants last three to five years and can last longer with the proper at-home care. Cavity-causing bacteria will cause the sealant to wear over time, but having to replace a sealant is better than needing a filling. In addition to caring for your child’s teeth at home, regular dental check-ups at Open Bright will help ensure the sealants remain intact and continue to safeguard against cavities.

Why Choose Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry? 

At Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care tailored to every family’s needs. The following are reasons why families trust us for their children’s smiles:

Family Scheduling

We know how hectic life can be, and we’re here to make dental care as easy and convenient as possible. With flexible scheduling options, we help you coordinate appointments for the entire family, saving you time and making your visits stress-free.

A Fun and Engaging Environment

We’ve designed our office to be a place where kids feel at ease. From a playful waiting area to TVs in treatment rooms and cheerful music throughout the office, we create an atmosphere that keeps kids relaxed and entertained during their visit.

Multilingual Team

Our dental team reflects the diversity of our community, ensuring we can communicate with patients and families in the language they’re most comfortable with. We proudly speak French, Spanish, Arabic, and Haitian Creole to build trust and understanding with every family we serve.

Flexible Financing Options

Good dental care should not be out of reach. That’s why we offer a variety of financing solutions and accept most insurance plans, along with cash and credit card payments. We also have financing options and an affordable yearly membership plan. We’re dedicated to working with you to make dental care accessible and affordable.

Schedule an Appointment With a Pediatric Dentist at Open Bright Today 

At Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to making every child’s dental experience positive, personalized, and stress-free. Our commitment to compassionate care is evident in everything we do, from our welcoming environment to our advanced dental techniques tailored to young patients. We prioritize preventative measures, like dental sealants, to help families maintain their children’s healthy smiles for years to come.

Our multilingual team and convenient scheduling options allow us to meet the unique needs of our diverse community, offering flexible and accessible solutions for families. Whether your child needs a simple cleaning or specialized care, we’re here to partner with you on their oral health journey. Call (347) 292-1757 today to schedule an appointment or fill out our contact form.

Your choice

Our Sedation Options

Laughing Gas

A mild and effective sedation option, laughing gas helps children relax during their dental procedure. It’s quickly reversible, allowing children to return to their normal activities shortly after their appointment.

IV Sedation

Ideal for longer procedures and children with higher levels of anxiety, IV sedation is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. This type of sedation allows children to sleep gently through their dental treatment, waking up with little memory of the procedure.

General Anesthesia

Used for extensive dental work or for children who cannot tolerate dental treatment in a traditional setting, general anesthesia is performed in a hospital setting under the careful watch of our medical team. This ensures a completely pain-free experience.
 
 
Meet our Smile Expert

Dr. Laurie, DMD

Every child who walks through our doors is unique, and I’m passionate about meeting their individual needs with a personal touch and an abundance of kindness. Whether it’s your baby’s first tooth or your child’s next checkup, my goal is to make every visit a comfortable experience  that builds trust and a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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About our practice

Choose Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry

Comforting Environment

A Preventive Focus

Compassionate Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental sedation for children?

Dental sedation for children refers to the use of medication to help children relax during dental procedures. It’s often recommended for children who experience anxiety during dental visits, have special needs, or require extensive dental work, ensuring a comfortable and fear-free experience.

Yes, when administered by a trained and experienced pediatric dentist like Dr. Laurie Hyacinthe, dental sedation is safe for children. Our practice follows strict guidelines and protocols to monitor your child’s vitals and comfort throughout the procedure, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our practice offers various sedation options tailored to meet the needs of each child, including:

  • Laughing Gas: Mild sedation that helps children relax during their dental procedure.
  • IV Sedation: Moderate sedation for children who may need to be asleep during their treatment.
  • General Anesthesia: Recommended for extensive dental procedures, administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Preparation for sedation dentistry may include following specific eating and drinking instructions before the procedure, discussing the process with your child in a calm and reassuring manner, and bringing a favorite toy or blanket for comfort. Our team will provide detailed pre-procedure instructions tailored to your child’s sedation plan.

Dental sedation can transform a potentially stressful or uncomfortable dental experience into a calm and positive one. It’s especially beneficial for children who have dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or require multiple procedures, allowing them to receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort.

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We would be so grateful if you can leave us a review on your preferred platform. It would mean so much if we are able to share with potential clients so they can feel more confident choosing us.

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