To ensure the proper health and protection of your kids’ teeth Dr. Weyneth, your Naperville family dentist, may recommend measures that are preventative, on top of those that are designed to identify and tackle already existing issues. Dental sealants are one preventative measure. The molars and premolars on their back teeth are more susceptible than others to tooth decay, and dental sealants can be placed on your child’s teeth to prevent decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin coatings made of plastic that are fitted on top of patient’s teeth. Primarily, they are placed on the surface of molars and premolars of children when they have first erupted beyond the gum. They are designed to offer a smooth cover for the teeth, without the tiny fissures that can become easy places for plaque and bacteria to lurk. These sealants are applied relatively easily, and it only takes a few minutes to apply them to each tooth.
Why Choose Dental Sealants?
Your family dentist will always recommend a thorough dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing to ensure the best care of all your kids’ teeth. It’s the most effective way to remove food residue and plaque at home. However, toothbrushes aren’t always able to hit all the grooves that are especially prevalent on the permanent back teeth. These fissures can become havens for plaque, which produces the acids that wear away at enamel and cause cavities. Dental sealants offer an extra protection for those areas.
What To Expect From A Tooth Sealant
As mentioned, it only takes a few minutes to fix the sealant on to each tooth. To start with, the patients’ teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, focusing extra attention on the teeth that are going to be sealed. The sealant is first in a liquid form and is painted onto the tooth, molding to the surface entirely before it starts to harden. With a curing light, your family dentist is able to speed up the amount of time it takes for it to harden. The treatment should involve no pain at all, and can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth are going to be sealed at once.
How Long Does A Dental Sealant Last?
Despite being as thin as they are, dental sealants are incredibly resilient and should protect the tooth from decay for a long time. They can last for several years before you might need to arrange an appointment for a reapplication. Your family dentist will be able to check the condition of each sealant during your regular appointments, so they can let you know when it might be time to reapply them.
Is It Time To Consider Dental Sealants?
Children’s permanent teeth are most vulnerable to decay and cavities when they first erupt. If you want to learn more about how you can protect them or you want to schedule an appointment, get in touch with your family dentist in Naperville. We’ll be glad to answer any questions and ensure the best care for your kids.