Application of Dental Sealant For Children Teeth: A Detailed Information
It is also possible to also define dental sealants as a preventative treatment measure that is geared towards the protection of teeth of children against cavities. These are very thin, as well as they are hard and resistant films located at the external edges of the top surface of the back teeth or molars where the cavities are most likely to develop.
The following is a comprehensive guide on the dental sealants including the relevance that is associated with the dental sealants for your child.
1. Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a protective plastic coating which is applied to pits and grooves of the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth and at times the premolars. It works like a shield and does not let any food particle or bacteria, which causes cavities, to enter the mouth. It is normally applied on the permanent molars soon after the 6th and the 12th year of life.
2. How Are Sealants Applied?
Dental sealants are easily applied after which the patient will not experience any discomfort. Since my procedure focuses on the individual tooth the dentist first has to clean it and then dry it.
An acid solution is then applied in order to make the surface of the tooth to be rough and this will help the sealant to bond on the tooth surface. Following washing of the tooth and drying, material forming the fill is brought in the form of a liquid and painted on the surface of the tooth before being hardened through the use of a light.
Such treatment usually does not take more than a few minutes on every tooth into which this gel is inserted.
3. Why Are Sealants Important?
Baby teeth have inversions and crevices that cannot be easily cleaned especially top back teeth. It is able to create harborages where food and bacteria particles can collect hence potentially leading to tooth decays. These are the areas that sealants shield through giving such surface an easy to clean smooth outlook. Research suggests that, sealants help to cut down on the probability of formation of cavities by as much as 80% in the first two years of usage.
4. Are Sealants Safe?
Currently, it is imperative to state that the use of dental sealants is safe and effective. Sealants’ materials based on have been researched and recognized for ADA American Dental Association seal of acceptance.
As a bonus they do not have BPA bisphenol A that can be worrisome to some parents. It does not require intruding into the body part of the patient during application; therefore, it does not cause any pain to the patient.
5. What Are The Lifespans Of Sealants?
Dental sealants can help for several years, although these are not considered as permanent treatments. These may fade away with time because of chewing as well as brushing. To make sure sealants have not worn off, one should have dental check-ups frequently. Dentist will evaluate the sealants at his or her next visits and can put on the coats again if required.
6. Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Although sealants give extra defense against tooth decays they are in no way a replacement for regular dental checkups and cleanliness. Make sure your child brushes their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flosses, and eats healthy.
Another importance of a routine dental check-up is to ensure that sealants are effective and to check any other dental complication.
7. Cost and Insurance Coverage
Dental sealants are quite inexpensive, and most insurance policies cover its cost especially for children. It is always advisable to inquire from your dental insurance company the kind of policy that is offered and the amount of money that will be covered in the process.