There’s a good chance your child will need dental sealants at some point. The coatings are a standard part of today’s pediatric dentistry, so it’s only natural for some kids to get them. That said, you likely want to address your questions about dental sealants before you commit. The good news is that your Fort Worth pediatric dentist is here to help you do so. Keep reading to learn four common questions about dental sealants and their answers.
“What are Dental Sealants?”
Before anything else, you probably want to ask what dental sealants are. You won’t know what to expect from your child’s treatment otherwise.
Dental sealants are thin coatings placed over the molars and pre-molars to stop cavities. In other words, each one covers a tooth’s surface to keep out bacteria and food debris that could cause decay. This effect doesn’t come at the cost of cosmetics, as every sealant is white, transparent, or tinted. You can trust them to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth when your child speaks, eats, or smiles.
“How are Sealants Applied?”
Once you know what sealants are, you may wonder how they’re usually applied. After all, having that knowledge beforehand can make treatment easier for your kiddo.
It’s a fairly simple matter to apply dental sealants. First, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth before placing an acidic gel over them. (The latter ensures the sealant has something to adhere to.) They’ll then rinse the teeth, re-dry them, and carefully apply the sealants themselves. As a last step, the dental team will harden the sealants with a special blue light; the layers will then be solid and ready for use.
“Why are Kids Good Sealant Candidates?
You may feel curious about why kids are good dental sealant candidates. Well, the answer isn’t that hard to understand.
It all comes down to how kids have very young teeth. Since their pearly whites are still new and fragile, they often need dental sealants to prevent the early occurrence of tooth decay. The treatment would thus ensure they avoid cavities well into their teenage years. (Also, teens susceptible to cavities can also get sealants to cover their permanent teeth.)
“How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?”
Another common question is how long dental sealants last. By grasping their lifespan, you can plan your child’s future dental visits accordingly.
Dental sealants are durable with proper care, as they can withstand meals, food debris, and the jaw’s bite force. That means they can last up to ten years if they’re given the right maintenance. However, your child must attend regular dental checkups to ensure their sealants work that long.
If your questions about dental sealants weren’t listed above, don’t worry. Just bring them up with your local dental provider soon!
About the Practice
Trinity Pediatric Dentistry is based in Fort Worth, TX. Led by Dr. Meghan Thorburn, our practice always aims to give young kids thriving smiles. We make that happen with preventive, restorative, and emergency treatments tailored to your child’s needs, as well as dental sedation services. Our team performs these procedures with close attention and cutting-edge tools to ensure the best results! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (682)-327-1133.