Children need every preventive measure available to keep their oral health in top condition, which can include dental sealants. When it comes to children’s dental health, tooth decay remains the leading problem affecting children. The dentist uses dental sealants to protect a child’s teeth from the harmful effects of cavities. Continue reading to find answers to commonly asked questions.
A sealant is a transparent plastic varnish that covers the chewing surfaces of the back-row teeth: molars and premolars. They have grooves (pits and fissures) that make them harder to clean and more prone to cavities. Dental sealants protect the grooves by providing a smoother surface that makes plaque and food debris slide off the teeth more easily.
The process lasts only a few minutes. The dentist will clean the child’s teeth before applying a conditioning solution over the chewing area. This liquid etches the surface to allow the sealant to adhere to the tooth. The dentist will clean the liquid and paint the sealant over the teeth. Afterward, they will harden it over the tooth using a curing light. After the sealant hardens, it becomes a hard plastic coating, and the patient can chew with their teeth again.
The procedure is not painful. For children who have dental anxiety, the dentist will try to make them as comfortable as possible. Placing dental sealants is non-invasive and requires no recovery period.
Sealants are not meant to be a permanent solution, so patients still need to come to the dental office for a routine checkup. The dentist will be able to check if the sealants are intact or compromised. With adequate care, sealants can survive up to nine years or more. If necessary, broken sealants can be restored.
As soon as the child’s premolars and molars start to come in, parents need to visit the dentist about getting sealants. The earlier the sealants are applied, the earlier they can shield the back teeth from getting tooth decay. The first application of sealants happens when the child is around six, when the first molars develop. After the second set of molars erupt (often around age 12 or 13), then the child can come in for sealants.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Weatherford, TX.
Although it is rare, adults who are prone to cavities can also get dental sealants on teeth that have not been filled or previously covered in sealants.
Yes. Dental sealants are only effective for the surface of the teeth they cover. Fluoride helps protect other areas of the teeth by remineralizing the enamel and fortifying it against cavities.
If you are interested in providing dental sealants for your child to protect their oral health, book a consultation appointment with the dentist. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process.
Request an appointment or call Millar Family Dentistry at 817-885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
Dental sealant placement forms a barrier between the teeth and the substances that can cause tooth decay. It is a powerful tool to prevent tooth decay, especially in children. However, it is not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Patients with sealants still need to brush and floss on a daily basis and see a…
Dental sealants are one great defense against tooth decay or cavities. Tooth decay is one of the more common problems that dentists encounter. According to the CDC, around 90% of adults over the age of 20 will experience a cavity in their lifetime, and many adults will experience more than one. Tooth decay often begins…
Dentists often recommend dental sealants to protect the developing teeth of children and adult teeth that are prone to decay. It involves coating teeth with a varnish-like sealant that prevents acids made by oral bacteria from making contact with teeth.Tooth decay is one of the main reasons that people seek dental care, and it can…
Dental implants restore functionality to the smile, all while looking and feeling like natural teeth. They achieve this by fusing with the jawbone, creating a permanent, irremovable tooth replacement solution that does not slip or slide. This benefit makes them a great option for patients seeking an alternative to traditional dentures.Dental implants are metal screw-like…
Dental implants can replace all or a few missing teeth. One of their most attractive benefits is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the dental implant process can take longer than some people realize. Here is a breakdown of the process and what patients can expect.Before one can receive dental implants,…