Pediatric Dental Sealants in Fort Collins, CO
Protect your kids’ teeth with sealants at Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies, your trusted pediatric dentist in Fort Collins.
Quick and Painless
Protect Against Tooth Decay
Healthy Smiles for Years to Come
What are dental sealants for kids?
No matter how well your kids brush and floss, pesky cavities can still show up. This is especially true in the hard-to-reach grooves along the back of the teeth. Fluoride goes a long way to protect them, but it doesn’t always fully work on those high-traffic biting surfaces at the back of the mouth.
Thankfully, there’s another option! Parents who choose sealants for their kids can guard against cavities for many years. Our kids’ dentist in Fort Collins simply paints thin, protective coatings called sealants directly onto the teeth, blocking out germs and food bacteria so your child’s smile stays bright.
Seal in healthy teeth for up to 4 years!
Sealants help give you peace of mind that your child’s teeth are safe and protected.
Faster and Easier
The process of painting sealants onto teeth is not only fast (typically taking only a few seconds) but also entirely painless. Afterward, the tooth is even stronger than before!
Protection for Years
The CDC reports that sealants typically protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Recommended by Experts
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend sealants for children.
Why choose sealants instead of fillings or fluoride?
Many people come into our Fort Collins office confused about how they differ from fillings, fluoride, or how they even work. Here’s a brief overview to help you make the best decision for your kids:
How Are Sealants Different From Fillings?
Fillings are reactive. Dentists use them after a cavity forms to protect the tooth from further spreading. Sealants, on the other hand, are proactive. We apply them to potentially weak spots to cover and protect them before decay starts. A little effort now saves your child from pain, emergency visits, and extra costs.
How Are Sealants Different From Fluoride?
Both treatment options strengthen teeth and protect them against cavities. However, they work in entirely different ways.
Our dentists paint fluoride, a natural mineral, directly onto all teeth. It bonds with the enamel to attract good minerals and deflect damaging acids. Dental sealants are plastic resins that we bond and harden in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces.
When a children’s dentist in Fort Collins seals a tooth, the tiny grooves become smooth. This makes them far less likely to harbor plaque. Brushing becomes easier and more effective. The CDC recommends using both because they complement each other. Studies show that sealants used with fluoride reduce cavity risks by 73% compared to using fluoride alone.
When Should My Child Get Sealants?
Dentists typically apply sealants to children’s teeth after their permanent molars erupt. Dentists seal permanent adult teeth much more commonly than baby teeth. However, every patient has unique needs. Our dentist recommends treatment plans on a case-by-case basis.
How often do my children need to get sealants?
Sealants protect against 80% of cavities for the first 2 years. They continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years, and they can stay on the teeth for up to 9 years.
Talk with your child’s dentist, but plan to refresh sealants every 2 to 4 years when they get adult teeth. Keep in mind that dental sealants only protect when they are fully intact. If a sealant chips or comes off, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment to re-seal the tooth.
Want to know more? We’d love to discuss your options with you! Contact our pediatric dentists in Fort Collins today at (970) 829-8258
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids go to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist when their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday. Early visits help children get used to the dentist chair and establish a foundation for lifetime oral health.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Yes! We accept Medicaid and work closely with families to ensure all children have access to top-tier preventative dental care, including sealants and regular cleanings.
What if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child suffers a broken tooth, severe toothache, or a dental injury, call us immediately. As a dedicated emergency pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, we prioritize urgent cases to relieve pain and protect your child's smile.
Other Pediatric Dental Services in Fort Collins, CO
Lip and Tongue Tie
Help your babies and toddlers eat, speak, and grow better.
Sedation Dentistry
Emergency Care
Accidents happen! When they do, our emergency pediatric dentist in Fort Collins team is here to help right away.
Comprehensive Care
Get the dental care your kids need in a fun, friendly environment.
