Tooth decay is one of those dental issues that most people will deal with at some point in their lives. Fortunately, dental sealants are a preventative treatment that can help protect teeth from decay. If you are a parent considering protecting your child’s teeth with sealants, you may be wondering about the process. This article will share a pediatric dentist’s answers to five frequently asked questions about sealants, including what they are and how long they last.
Sealants contain dental-grade plastics to coat teeth surfaces, preventing acids in the mouth from damaging them. These acids form from bacteria that live in the mouth. When these germs consume sugars left over after meals, they excrete acids that cause tooth decay. A pediatric dentist can coat teeth with dental sealants to prevent these acids from contacting teeth surfaces. Sealants are often recommended for teeth in the back of the mouth, like premolars and molars, because they can be more challenging to clean.
Dental sealants protect the teeth of patients of all ages. However, pediatric dentists often recommend them for children’s premolars and molars because they are still learning to clean their teeth properly. A baby tooth falling out prematurely due to decay can lead to alignment issues when it is time for the permanent tooth to erupt.
A pediatric dentist might also recommend dental sealants for a child’s permanent molars to protect them as soon as they erupt.
Sealants are most effective on teeth un-impacted by decay. Attempting to protect an already decayed tooth with sealant can lead to acids and bacteria getting trapped underneath the sealant. This would not stop the progression of decay but rather cause further decay.
Patients do not feel pain when dental sealants are applied, so local anesthetics are unnecessary. It is a quick procedure that involves cleaning the patient’s teeth and roughening their exteriors with an etching solution. The sealant material adheres better to rough surfaces. The pediatric dentist will paint the sealant on the patient’s tooth, then use ultraviolet light to harden it. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes.
Dental sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to five years. Good oral hygiene can help increase how long sealants last. Follow-up treatments can be performed as necessary to maintain oral health. Regular checkups help detect worn-down sealants so a pediatric dentist can apply a new one.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Richmond, TX
Sealants are a noninvasive way to protect teeth from decay. Protection from each treatment can last for up to five years. Give us a call or visit our Richmond clinic to set up an appointment with our pediatric dentist. We look forward to helping your child maintain a healthy smile.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
If a cavity develops and worsens, it could lead to the risk of a dental emergency due to an infection or severe discomfort. Dental sealants significantly reduce the risk of a dental emergency by helping to prevent cavities in vulnerable areas of teeth. Read on to learn how dental sealants can prevent a dental emergency…
Dental sealants safeguard the teeth against tooth decay by forming a barrier between bacterial plaque and the tooth enamel. The many tiny grooves on the surfaces of the back teeth may catch food particles. Since routine brushing cannot entirely remove them, they often stay there for an extended period. Cavities develop as a result of…
Preventative dentistry allows you to avoid significant and expensive dental care by catching issues early. Protective dental sealants are one of the simplest and most effective methods to do so. Pediatric dentists suggest dental sealants for most children after their first permanent molars erupt because they help keep their teeth healthy and free of cavities.…
Parents are encouraged to take their child to a pediatric dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a dentist, which helps ensure that children receive the care they need to maintain a healthy smile.Similar to…
Baby root canals often induce fear and anxiety in parents because of the reputation of the procedure. However, technology has come a long way in making the procedure straightforward and reliable. Additionally, baby root canals are only advised when absolutely necessary! Continue reading to find out more.Below is a quick overview of how baby root…