Dental sealants for children reduce the risk of dental decay and the associated restorative procedures. They are also cost-effective and noninvasive, which are bonuses for both parents and children. The following is a more detailed look at the benefits dental sealants offer children of all ages.
The primary purpose of dental sealants is to reduce the overall risk of tooth decay (cavities). This is especially important immediately after the emergence of permanent premolars and molars. They are also helpful for developing permanent teeth to protect primary molars and premolars from decay.
If cavities develop, children, like adults, require a restorative procedure to restore the appearance and health of each affected tooth. The most common type of restorative procedure used for cavities is dental fillings. Remember that the tooth enamel (the outermost layer of each tooth) cannot grow back once it has decayed or been damaged.
Dental sealants are affordable and most often covered by dental insurance. Compared to the cost of restorative procedures (such as dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crowns), dental sealants are far more affordable. So, while there may be an initial cost for parents without insurance, it can save parents money in the long term by preventing restorative care for their children as they grow older.
Dental sealants can help prevent children from needing invasive procedures in the future, particularly for the molars and premolars. When a child has a cavity, they will likely need a root canal and associated restoration, or they will need to undergo a dental filling. Not only are root canal therapy and dental filling procedures more costly than dental sealants, but they also are more invasive. Dental sealants can help prevent dental anxiety in children that could continue into their teenage and adult years, thereby creating more positive memories of visiting the dentist.
Sealants are essentially invisible to others. The dentist will only apply dental sealants to teeth farther back in the mouth. This means they do not negatively affect the appearance of a child’s smile, unlike if they had amalgam (silver) fillings or caps (crowns). On the other hand, if a child develops a cavity, teeth may appear discolored and even misshapen.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Richmond, TX
Dental sealants may prove effective for your child if they have a high chance of developing cavities on their premolars or molars. To determine if this is the case for your child or to learn how they can benefit from dental sealants, consult a pediatric dentist. Contact our Richmond office today to schedule your child’s next appointment.
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.…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque…
Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but…
Tooth decay happens when the enamel, or tooth surface, is damaged. You can use oral…
In order to maintain your child's healthy teeth and gums, you should follow the oral…
Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are the cornerstone of children’s braces treatment.
