Discover the importance of dental sealants in maintaining your child’s oral health at our dental office in West Columbia, USA. These affordable and straightforward solutions effectively prevent cavities, requiring just a single application.
Who Should Choose Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants act as protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, shielding them from pits, fissures, and other dental flaws. Our experienced dentists utilize sealants as part of preventive measures for maintaining healthy teeth. They are particularly beneficial for children, safeguarding their teeth against decay. However, sealants may not be suitable for children with untreated dental decay or those who frequently experience vomiting. Typically, sealants are selectively applied to teeth with pits and cracks.
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Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Rest assured, dental sealants are a safe and efficient method of shielding young children’s teeth from decay. They can be applied to both the front and back teeth, providing comprehensive protection. While some parents choose to have sealants applied to all their child’s permanent teeth, most dentists deem this unnecessary. Only teeth with specific vulnerabilities, such as pits and cracks, require sealant protection.
Long-lasting Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a durable solution for preventing decay in the back molars. Applied as a quick-hardening resin-based substance, they effectively shield vulnerable areas of the teeth from decay. While sealants can last for an extended period with proper care, they may naturally wear out over time. It is important to replace worn or damaged sealants promptly.
Beneficial for Adults?
Dental sealants are not only beneficial for children but also for adults. Experience the ease of cavity prevention through this simple technique. Once applied, sealants require minimal maintenance and can be easily forgotten until the next cleaning. Moreover, the application process is painless, offering a hassle-free dental solution.
Understanding the Tooth Sealing Process
Sealing a tooth is an effective preventive measure performed on both adults and children when necessary. It serves as a proactive approach to prevent tooth decay in high-risk teeth, particularly those with tortuous pits and fissures on the occlusal surface.
Why is tooth sealing done?
Tooth sealing is recommended for the following reasons:
- Protecting newly erupted teeth from caries in infants.
- Halting the carious action in high-risk teeth, such as molars in adults.
Who can receive dental sealants?
Teeth with deep pits and fissures are at a high risk of caries and require the sealing process. The following individuals should consider this procedure:
- Infants with newly erupted teeth experiencing structural ambiguity.
- Children aged 6 to 14 years with teeth free from caries.
- Adults with caries-free teeth at high risk of decay.
Understanding the Tooth Sealing Procedure
The tooth sealing process typically takes approximately ten minutes per tooth and involves the following four steps for successful sealing:
- Tooth preparation: Our skilled dentist will remove any plaque, debris, or calculus from the tooth surface by polishing it. This step ensures better adaptation of the sealant material to the tooth structure.
- Isolation and drying: To prevent contamination by saliva or blood, the tooth is isolated using a rubber dam. It is then dried thoroughly to remove any remaining water particles.
- Etching: An etchant is applied for a few seconds, creating micro porosities on the tooth surface. Subsequently, it is washed away with water, facilitating optimal bonding with the sealant.
- Sealant application: Our experienced dentist applies the sealant material to the tooth using a brush, followed by the bonding process. The sealant is exposed to 30 seconds of self-curing light, ensuring its secure attachment.
Additional Facts About Tooth Sealing We understand that anxiety and stress can accompany dental procedures. Rest assured, sealing a tooth is a painless process that does not require anesthesia. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the tooth’s condition but typically takes only a few minutes.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that some dental insurances cover the sealing process free of charge or at a reduced price, making it a cost-effective preventive measure.
Pros and cons of sealing: Dental sealants offer painless, non-invasive cavity prevention without drilling. They are highly durable, lasting up to 10 years. However, improper application or contamination can lead to chipping or wearing off of the sealant.
As we know Prevention is better than cure! What are you waiting for? make your oral health hygiene a priority, be wary of your caries, and prevent them by sealing your tooth.
For more information about dentistry for kids, Contact Todays Dental Now.
