Dental sealants work to prevent cavities by sealing pits and fissures that naturally occur in molars. Sealants “seal off” the pit and fissure of your molars to prevent food and plaque from collecting and forming cavities.
Think of a tooth’s top (chewing) surface as a mountain with many grooves. When your child eats, food gets caught in those grooves. Although daily brushing is essential, applying a dental sealant will enhance the ability to keep those hard-to-reach areas clean. A dental sealant flows into the grooves, “sealing” the tooth and reducing the probability of cavities.
In addition to preventing cavities, dental sealants can also save time and money. The process of applying sealants is quick and painless, and it only needs to be done once. This means that children won’t have to undergo multiple trips to the dentist for cavity treatment. Furthermore, the cost of applying dental sealants is significantly less than the cost of filling cavities.
Another benefit of dental sealants is that they are long-lasting. When properly applied and maintained, dental sealants can last for several years. This means that children will be protected from cavities for a longer period of time.
Getting dental sealants is a simple and painless process that can help prevent cavities in children’s teeth. Here is a step-by-step guide to how dental sealants are applied:
Examination and Cleaning: Before the sealants are applied, the teeth are carefully examined and cleaned to ensure that there are no underlying issues.
Preparation: The surfaces of the teeth are rinsed and dried thoroughly to ensure that the sealant adheres properly.
Etching: A mild etching compound is painted onto the teeth to improve adhesion.
Rinsing and Drying: The teeth are rinsed and dried again in preparation for the sealant.
Application: The sealant material is either painted or dropped onto the teeth, and a UV light is used to cure the material.
Instant Protection: Sealants harden in a few seconds, offering instant protection for your child’s teeth.
By following these simple steps, dental sealants can be applied quickly and effectively, providing long-lasting protection against cavities.
It’s important to note that dental sealants are not a replacement for good oral hygiene. Children should still brush and floss their teeth regularly, and visit the dentist for regular checkups. However, when used in conjunction with good oral hygiene habits, dental sealants can be an effective way to protect children’s teeth from cavities.
Overall, dental sealants offer a number of benefits for children’s oral health. They can prevent cavities, save time and money, and last for several years. If you’re a parent, consider talking to your dentist about whether dental sealants are right for your child.
At Teeth R Us, we take pride in providing top-quality pediatric dentistry services in Plano. Our experienced and compassionate dentist, Dr. Smith, is passionate about educating parents and children about the importance of dental care and helping them keep their teeth clean and healthy.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental sealants for your child, we encourage you to make an appointment with us today. We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need and help you make an informed decision about your child’s dental health.
With our friendly and welcoming staff, comfortable and modern facilities, and commitment to excellence, we strive to make every visit to Teeth R Us a positive and enjoyable experience for both parents and children. Come and see for yourself why we are known as one of the best practices for pediatric dentistry in Plano.
