If your pediatric dentist has suggested your child has dental sealants, then you might have wondered if this treatment is worthwhile and what are the dental sealants benefits. After all, if your kid regularly brushes and flosses thoroughly then why would they need this preventative dental care treatment? However there are several reasons why you should carefully consider scheduling them an appointment to have dental sealants applied.
Dental Sealants: How Much Do They Cost?
One of the dental sealants benefits is very cost-effective and highly affordable treatment, and it is well worth it for the high level of protection provided for teeth. In addition, dental sealants are hard wearing and should last for many years before they eventually need renewing as they become chipped or worn.
Dental Sealants Benefits for Your Child
With the dental sealants benefits you will receive a procedure that is non-invasive and quick and your child will only need one visit to our pediatric dentist in NJ. They will not need any local anesthetic and treatment is completely painless. To apply dental sealants, your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the tooth surfaces due to be sealed will be lightly etched so the dental sealant material can bond more strongly to the tooth. The sealant is simply painted on and we will either harden it with a blue light or can leave it to harden naturally, a process that is very quick.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
The dental sealants benefits for your child as its very effective and can protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These particular surfaces are often prone to developing cavities and children and adults can struggle to keep them thoroughly clean due to the deep grooves and fissures that easily trap bacteria and food particles. By creating a smooth, easy to clean surface, these teeth can be protected, ensuring they will remain healthy hopefully for life.
So What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made from a special kind of flowable plastic material, very similar to the composite resin used to fill teeth. The plastic is thin enough to flow into all the nooks and crannies, creating a layer of protective material that will not interfere with your bite. Once treatment is completed the sealant material should be virtually invisible.
What Is the Best Age for Child to Have Dental Sealants?
Our pediatric dentists usually recommend applying dental sealants to a child’s adult back teeth soon after they have emerged. It’s important not to delay treatment as dental sealants can only be used to protect teeth that don’t have any cavities or any risk of tooth decay or infection. If your child already has some fillings in these teeth then will not be able to enjoy dental sealants benefits. Sometimes we might also suggest using sealants to protect a child’s milk teeth. At first glance this treatment might seem unnecessary for teeth that will only last a few years but sometimes milk teeth can have exceptionally deep grooves and fissures that will be nearly impossible for a child or their parent or caregiver to keep thoroughly clean. As early tooth loss can create considerable problems for adult teeth, not to mention issues with a child being able to eat and speak properly then protecting these tooth surfaces can be extremely worthwhile, and maybe a good precaution to prevent these teeth from being lost to soon.
