Visits
Sealants and fluoride
A sealant is a thin coating painted on the chewing surface of a back tooth. Fluoride varnish is a coating painted on a tooth to help strengthen it. Neither one takes the place of brushing.
What happens, in order
- 01
Step 1: The tooth is cleaned, dried and coated
Jenny cleans the tooth and dries it so the coating can stick. A sealant goes on the grooves of a back tooth. Fluoride varnish goes on the surface of the tooth.
- 02
Step 2: A light sets the sealant
A small light hardens the sealant in under a minute for each tooth. Varnish sets on its own.
- 03
Step 3: We check it
Dr. Harrell checks that the sealant covers the tooth and your child's bite feels normal.
- 04
Step 4: Home advice
You hear how to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and which drinks to limit.
Comfort, other options, risks and the bill
Keeping your child comfortable
Nothing is drilled and no numbing is needed. If your child is nervous about the light or the taste, tell us, and we go slowly.
Other options, and waiting
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary drinks do the same job at home, and sealants add to that. Sealants can wear down, so we check them at each visit.
Risks and after-care
Varnish can leave teeth looking yellow until they are brushed that evening. Tell us before the visit about any allergy. A sealant can chip, and if it does we repair it.
How it is billed
Sealants and fluoride are billed to your child's plan. Many plans pay for them for children up to a set age, and we check before the visit.
How fees work
Questions about sealants and fluoride
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. They protect the grooves of a back tooth, and the rest of the tooth still needs brushing.
Is fluoride a problem for my child?
Dr. Harrell decides the amount by age and risk of cavities, and she explains it to you. Tell us about any concern.
How long does a sealant last?
It depends on the child and the tooth. We look at each one at every checkup.
Ask about this visit
Provided by Dr. Keshia Harrell, a pediatric dentist. Her training is on her page. Please leave out health details when you write; for anything urgent, call us.