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Using dental sealants to prevent the onset of tooth decay can help your child avoid the need for more complex procedures.
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material that is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque.
To provide the most protection for your child's teeth, sealants need to be applied before the onset of any tooth decay. Before applying the sealant material to your child's teeth, the teeth are prepared for the sealant application to ensure the best protection. During placement, the sealant material is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then allowed to harden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin coating of dental material applied on the grooves of posterior teeth. It is a very safe and effective prophylactic treatment done to prevent dental decay. Dental sealants cover and seal the deep pit and fissures of posterior teeth, especially molars, thereby protecting them from bacteria that cause dental decay. It is a non-invasive procedure and is usually completed in 10-15mins.
Do kids really need sealants?
Sealants are recommended on children when their permanent molars erupt around the age of 6 and 12 years. Sealants help protect the teeth by preventing bacteria and food from entering the pits and fissures of the molars.
Is it good to put sealant on Kid's teeth?
Sealants are a safe and effective prophylactic treatment to prevent dental decay. The American dental association recommends sealant application on all permanent molars. It acts like a coat to prevent food and bacteria from entering the deep pits and fissures of molars.
At what age are dental sealants most effective?
Dental sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the permanent molars erupt completely into the oral cavity. The first set of sealants are usually applied once the 6-year permanent molars erupt, and the second set of sealants are applied once the 12-year molars erupt. Dental sealants are fragile/brittle and can fall off with the eventual use of the teeth, but they can be easily reapplied.
Can you get cavities if you have sealants?
Yes, it is possible for dental decay to form despite dental sealant being applied. Dental sealant is a prophylactic and non-invasive treatment to prevent or reduce the risk of dental decay. If a dental sealant malfunctions or falls off, a tooth can develop dental decay.
Call 864-259-2590 to schedule an appointment.