Sealants

Sealants

The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child's mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The deep and varied crevices in these teeth make it easy for food particles to hide, and it can be difficult to keep these teeth clean, even with regular brushing. Your child’s dentist might recommend sealants to prevent cavities and prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.

Sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants smooth out teeth, making them easier to brush, as well as create a protective barrier, so food and bacteria cannot penetrate the tooth.

Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require anesthetic. First, the tooth or teeth to be sealed are examined, and if any minimal decay is found, it will be gently removed. After the tooth is cleaned and dried, an acidic gel will be placed on the tooth or teeth to prepare the tooth for the sealant. After a few seconds, the gel will be rinsed off, and the sealant will be applied onto the grooves of the tooth. A special blue light is used to harden the sealant.

Sealants can last up to ten years and require minimal care. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep them clean. Sealants can occasionally become loose, but they can easily be reapplied during a dental appointment.

Sealants can reduce tooth decay by up to 70%, and are a great way to prevent the need for expensive restorative treatment later in life.


Contact Us

Elk Grove Village Office
901 Biesterfield Road
Suite 104
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(Woodland Square @ Corner of Biesterfeld & Beisner Rd.s)

(847) 437-8366


Melrose Park Office
675 W. North Ave. Ste 307
Melrose Park, IL 60160
(Gottlieb Profession Bldg.)

(708) 450-4533


Dr. Szatkowski's hours:

Elk Grove Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Thursday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Melrose Park Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday - Friday, Sunday:

Closed

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am - 1:30 pm

Please be sure to schedule your hygeine visit when I'm present, so I may say hello and examine you myself.