Dental sealants are thin plastic coats that are applied to the biting surfaces of a person's teeth. They can be used on any tooth, but they are mostly used on the premolars and molars because these are the most susceptible to tooth decay. When applied, the sealant adheres to the pits and grooves on the person's teeth, forming a layer of protection over the enamel.
Brushing and flossing are effective ways to remove food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces, but it can be difficult to clean all the grooves on the teeth that are in the back of the mouth. Getting the bristles of a toothbrush to these areas or flossing them properly takes skill.
Children do not always have the required brushing and flossing expertise to keep these areas adequately cleaned, which makes their teeth susceptible to decay. Primary, or milk, teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Milk teeth hold the place of the permanent teeth that come after them, and one falling out early can lead to teeth alignment issues. Dental sealants can be used to protect these areas and prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating on them.
Children and teenagers are more likely to deal with tooth decay on their molars and premolars, making them great candidates for dental sealants. These are also recommended for adults who are vulnerable to tooth decay.
Dentists recommend getting dental sealants for children as soon as their permanent premolars and molars erupt. This gives the child an increased level of protection during the years that they are most susceptible to decay (ages 7-14) Dental sealants can also be safely applied to baby teeth. This is usually done if the tooth has deep grooves and depressions, as it is easy for bacteria and food particles to build up in these spaces.
Getting dental sealants on a person's teeth is a painless and quick process. It only takes minutes for a dentist to paint the sealant on the biting surfaces of the teeth being treated. The process looks like this:
Many patients can benefit from dental sealants. Let us go over a few of the questions that they might have.
Dental sealant is a type of coating that is applied to the teeth. It acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of the teeth and causing cavities.
Yes, dental sealants are considered to be safe. They are made from materials compatible with the human body and have been extensively tested for safety and efficacy.
Dental sealants can last several years, but they will eventually need to be replaced. The exact lifespan of a dental sealant will vary depending on the individual’s habits (such as how much they brush their teeth) and the type of sealant used. Most people can get a few years out of dental sealants.
Yes, dental sealants are an effective way to prevent cavities. They have been shown to reduce the incidence of cavities by up to 80%, according to the CDC.
Not all dentists recommend dental sealants, but many do. The American Dental Association recommends that sealants be applied to the teeth of children and adolescents who are at high risk for cavities.
Dental sealants offer several benefits, including:
Dental sealants do have a few drawbacks, including:
According to the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, dental sealants can keep decay at bay for at least 10 years. It can protect you and/or your child for even longer if you regularly get it touched up. Stop by our clinic to learn more about this preventative dental treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Middletown, NY.
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