Have you ever heard of dental sealants? Your pediatric dentist may suggest them for your child’s teeth, but why are they important? What purpose do they serve for a child’s teeth? Before you make a decision about dental sealants, here is more about the terminology and process about dental sealants. These are questions you can ask your dentist or you can read more information here.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental Sealants are made of thin plastic coating that are painted on the chewing sides of back teeth. Usually on the premolars and molars. They are a preventative method used to keep bacteria and food particles from penetrating the pits and grooves in these particular teeth.
Sealants Vs. Fillings
Fillings may be required at a certain point, but dental sealants are a preventative measure. Fillings are used once a tooth has a cavity, but having sealants on your child’s teeth can help avoid cavities and keep them strong and healthy. Sealants help to fill in the grooves in your molars so that bacteria does not settle on your child’s teeth for too long.
Will The Process Be Painful For My Child?
The process for sealants is not painful. Your child should not feel any discomfort while the dentist applies the sealant. Dental sealants are a composite resin that is applied and sits comfortably on top of the tooth. A curing light then sets the resin in place and only takes a few minutes per tooth.
How Long Do They Stay?
Sealants will remain in place for a while if your child takes proper care of their teeth. If taken care of properly, dental sealants can stay in place for up to 9-10 years. Visiting your pediatric dentist often can ensure that the sealants are doing their job correctly. If a sealant comes loose a new one can be applied and your dentist can check on the sealants at every check up.
Why Are Sealants Used?
Sealants are used in the teeth that are deepest in your mouth. For children, these teeth can be harder to clean and sealants can be used to help protect teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Molars are often more susceptible to acid and bacteria which can lead to bacteria build up. Sealants keep teeth in good shape.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Sealants are ideal for anyone who has permanent molars or premolars. Back teeth are highly susceptible to decay and cavities. They are mostly recommended for teens and children so they can grow up into adult years without extreme dental issues. Children with really deep grooves in children may require children under 6 years to get sealants. Baby teeth play a critical role in creating the right space for permanent teeth.
Dental Sealants With Mountain View Pediatric Dental
We provide dental sealants here at Mountain View Pediatric. We know the importance of kids teeth and that protecting them while we can will help prevent more heartache in the future. Children with high risks for cavities can receive sealants. As an easy and painless procedure your child will be on the road quickly to cavity prevention.
Contact one of our two offices today to schedule an appointment or ask more questions.
