The introduction of dental sealants to the dental industry was a game-changer in many ways. Sealants are an effective countermeasure to gum disease and cavities and can be an excellent addition to normal oral hygiene. They can prevent expensive dental treatments by preventing dental decay in patients of all ages. While they’re most commonly used for children, they can also be effective for adults and the elderly as well. Morning Star Dentistry is happy to provide this service to our patients in Sonora, CA.
Did you know…
that sealants can last as long as 5 to 10 years pediatric dental patients? Depending on a child’s oral development and risk factors for tooth decay, sealants may be applied to the teeth as young as age 6. It is at this time that the first molars typically appear. Additional molars erupt at approximately age 12. If possible, sealants should be applied to a child’s teeth immediately after any molar has appeared to reduce the risk of early decay.
The Purpose Of Dental Sealants And How They Work
Dental sealants are a fairly simple treatment involving placing a thin composite coating on the dental surface. They’re often applied to the back molars, where dental hygiene can be harder to do effectively. Dental sealants protect the tooth against plaque, calculus (tartar), and food debris that can adhere to the surfaces, grooves, and depressions in your teeth. This protective layer can slow the advance of tooth decay, prevent cavities, and serve as an effective prophylactic against tooth decay over an extended period. This is due, in part, to the integration of fluoride into the material used to create the dental sealant.
Children are the most common recipients of dental sealants. They’re a great way to protect against the tendency for young patients to miss their rearmost teeth. Further, they can help preserve the primary teeth until they naturally fall out. This is essential since our baby teeth contribute to the health of our future smile in a significant way.
The team at Morning Star Dentistry provides dental sealants to ensure our patients experience the many benefits they can provide:
- Tooth Decay Prevention: The thin composite layer helps prevent bacteria and the acids they produce from reaching the tooth. This material also serves to help prevent plaque from forming and makes it easier to remove.
- Strengthens Enamel: The material used to create these sealants often contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen dental enamel.
- Cost-Effective Care: The ability of sealants to reduce damage and decay ensures that more costly treatments are less likely to be necessary later. They’re a great investment in the lasting oral health of family members at any age.
- Lasting Protection: With proper dental hygiene, sealants can remain in place for as long as 15 years. That’s over a decade of ongoing protection with one simple treatment.
- Safe: To date, no evidence of any risks or complications associated with receiving dental sealants. This means they are safe and effective for patients of any age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will dental sealants affect the feel or appearance of my child’s teeth?
Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue, most children quickly adapt to their presence.
See Us In Sonora, CA, For Dental Sealants
The procedure for receiving dental sealants is a simple two-step process. The first step is applying a gel to the surface of the tooth. This gentle abrasive gel creates a pitted texture on the tooth’s surface. This texture helps with the second step, which is to create a firmer bond between the dental sealant material and the tooth, ensuring lasting protection. Schedule your visit to Morning Star Dentistry today to learn even more about the effectiveness of dental sealants in decay prevention.
What will my child experience when getting sealants?
The process of getting sealants is fast and painless. The tooth is cleaned before the dentist paints the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will immediately harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to the dentist will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.
Will sealants prevent all cavities?
While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.
