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What is the purpose of a dental sealant?
Tooth decay is most prevalent in the back of a child’s mouth. These surfaces aren’t smooth and have pits and fissures, which easily trap food and bacteria. It is difficult for a toothbrush to effectively reach these spots, creating a great location for cavities to form. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we can help prevent tooth decay with sealants. We can examine your child’s teeth and gums to determine if this preventive dentistry procedure is right for them.
Children, or teenagers, as well as some adults, are great candidates for sealants. As soon as the teeth first come in, children can have dental sealant applied to their permanent molars and premolars. This will protect their teeth during cavity-prone years. Sealants can also be used on children with depressions or deep grooves on baby teeth. This is because these teeth help with the proper spacing of your child’s permanent teeth, keeping them healthy and preventing them from being lost early.
What are dental sealants used for?
Dental sealants are resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surface of the molars in San Diego, CA. A sealed tooth is much less likely to develop a cavity or require more extensive dental procedures in the future. A molar sealant is placed on the top surface layer of the back molars. They help to seal out plaque, bacteria, and tartar from reaching the tooth. Those who get dental sealants won’t see or feel them. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we help our patients’ enamel to become cleaner and more protected.
How dental sealants for children improve oral health
Your child’s new permanent teeth aren’t as resistant to decay as adult teeth can be. The hard enamel that protects the teeth will change as you age and become stronger. Fluoride helps to efficiently strengthen enamel. It’s hard to get into the pits and fissures during regular brushing. Fissure sealants provide a protective coating that prevents tooth decay.
How are dental sealants applied to the teeth?
At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, dental sealant application is fast and easy. The process includes the following steps:
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The teeth are cleaned and polished to ensure that no bacteria is sealed into them.
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Decay is removed if it is found during the examination.
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The tooth is etched where the sealant will be placed and then rinsed and dried properly.
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After this preparation, our professional dental team will apply the sealant and use a special light to set the sealant material. This is similar to a Cosmetic Dental Bonding procedure.
These sealed teeth will still require regular oral hygiene. Your child should regularly brush and floss their teeth, as well as have regular dental examinations and routine dental cleanings after getting dental sealant. Sealants have been proven to reduce tooth decay by up to 70%.
Are teeth sealants for children safe?
Yes, they are as there are no known risks or side effects from sealants. The American Dental Association deems sealants a safe treatment option for children, teenagers, and adults alike. Our professional staff recommends sealants for patients of all ages. They protect your child from tooth decay, the lost function of teeth, lost teeth, and the future need for more extensive dental procedures.
How long do sealants last?
Dental sealants for kids protect teeth from potential tooth decay for up to ten years with proper oral hygiene. They do need to be checked for chips or wear and tear at regular dental exams at Dental Express in San Diego, CA though. When necessary, we can easily replace sealants for our patients.
Learn more about dental sealants today
At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer professional dental care that prevents many dental issues from occurring. Our proactive approach helps prevent your child and your entire family from dealing with cavities and deep tooth decay. Most insurance companies cover this preventive dentistry procedure. To schedule an appointment to learn more about sealants and to have a comprehensive dental examination, call our office today.