Dental sealants are an effortless, predictable, and affordable way to fight decay
One of the greatest things that you can do for your children’s oral health is to invest in dental sealants. And guess what? It’s really not much of an investment at all. As a preventive dentistry service, these thin coatings on the back teeth fit well within most budgets and are often covered by dental insurance plans.
Sink your teeth into the many benefits of sealants, as Emmanuel Dental & Orthodontics answers some of your questions about this staple of pediatric dentistry – that isn’t just for kids, either.
What are dental sealants?
From our office in Richardson, Texas, Drs Pramod Thomas and Fred Silva may recommend applying these thin coverings to the backmost teeth. Sealants are made from safe, non-toxic, lightweight, and transparent materials. When applied to molars or premolars, these coatings effectively seal out disease-causing substances. These substances include stubborn food particles, sticky plaque (and its hardened form, tartar), as well as harmful oral bacteria. When these substances are kept out of your child’s teeth, we reduce their risk factors for developing the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal/gum disease.
Can they be applied to other teeth?
Dental sealants are designed for the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The vast majority of cavities originate in these teeth. Their locations make them more susceptible to cavities. Their surfaces are also uneven and jagged. So, they tend to trap all of the “bad stuff” mentioned in our answer to the previous question.
Are they just for children?
No. That said, they are most commonly associated with pediatric patients. There are several reasons for this:
- One: The first molars tend to erupt around age six. By applying sealants as soon as the teeth come in, there is no opportunity for food particles to get stuck. When food becomes trapped in pitted or grooved surfaces, it creates a perfect breeding ground for plaque. Since lingering food debris is “sealed out” of these areas, such particles can’t combine with dangerous oral bacteria to make plaque and acids that erode the teeth, gums, and bone.
- Two: Children may be particularly challenged to properly clean these teeth due to the mismatch between the size of their mouths and the locations of the molars/premolars. This challenge is made even more difficult because kids may still be developing the motor skills needed to brush their own teeth. Sealants can be a real ally in the fight against early childhood tooth decay!
How do you place sealants?
Sealants can be seamlessly incorporated into your child’s next dental checkup. There is no special pre- or post-care. There is also no need for numbing, because the process is painless. We start by cleaning and then drying the teeth. A special solution is also applied to support the strongest bond between the sealant material and the tooth. Then the sealant is applied as a liquid, either by brushing or painting. Once it has seeped into the nooks and crannies of the teeth, a curing light is used to harden it. And that’s it!
How long do sealants last?
This depends on many factors, including oral hygiene, nutrition, and personal habits. However, sealants can last for many years with good care. During regular visits, our dentists assess the condition of sealants to ensure they are holding up and protecting the teeth well.
What if I have more questions?
Emmanuel Dental & Orthodontics welcomes the opportunity to answer them. Whether you have a child whose molars are just starting to come in, or you are grappling with new challenges to your oral care and oral health, sealants and other professional preventative services can help. Call (972) 200-2995 to speak with a member of our team in Richardson, TX, today.
