Dental Sealants
Dental sealant application has become more popular over the last two decades as people have become more aware of its benefits. Many parents, on the other hand, who did not have the procedure performed on them when they were younger must be educated in order to feel comfortable performing it on their own children. Specific questions about sealants should be directed to your paediatric dentist or dental hygiene professional, but understanding their purpose and how they protect teeth can help you make an educated decision.
Dental Sealants: What Is The Difference?
Children’s teeth are protected with a dental sealant, which acts as a barrier against food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. AAPD reports that “the placement of a sealant in children and adolescents has shown a reduction in the incidence of cavities of 86% after one year and 58% after four years.” Additionally, fluoride treatments and a well-balanced diet help keep teeth healthy when used in conjunction with a comprehensive dental care regimen that includes sealants. Sealants protect tooth grooves known as pit and fissure cavities in addition to brushing and flossing, which are essential parts of any dental hygiene regimen.
Dental sealants, more commonly known as sealants, are protective coatings applied to the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars, where cavities are most likely to form. Dental sealants are applied as a liquid and cured with a special light. They are made of strong synthetic resin. When a child’s first molars appear to be protecting their teeth from decay, dental sealants are typically applied. Cavities are most common in the mouth’s teeth. Dental sealants, on the other hand, can be applied to any child’s tooth as long as it is healthy and natural.
Dental sealants can be applied quickly and easily in a single step. Usually, sealants are applied by a dental hygienist, but a dentist can also do it. Dental sealants are most commonly used on the back teeth because of the small pits and grooves that can be missed even with regular brushing and flossing.
Clean, dry teeth are prepared for the application of dental sealants. To make a permanent seal, a liquid sealant is applied, allowed to flow over the teeth, and then curried to harden. In some cases, dental sealants will cure on their own, but in other cases, a special light inserted into the mouth and pointed at the tooth is used to cure the material. Patients can immediately eat and drink after getting dental sealants because they won’t harm the newly protected teeth.
As a relatively new concept in dentistry, dental sealants have been found to last for many years with good oral hygiene. To get the most out of their dental kittens, patients should avoid chewing on hard candy and other abrasive items like pencils. Following the application of dental sealants, a dentist will check for signs of wear during routine dental examinations. Dental sealants, particularly in children, can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in teeth that are difficult to clean. Dental sealants vary in price depending on location and practise, but they are considered low-cost in comparison to other dental procedures like fillings and repairs.
What Teeth Should Be Sealed When And Which Teeth Should Not Be Sealed?
The number of teeth your child will need sealed is determined by how often he or she gets cavities. Primary penetrating teeth, or molars that erupt between the ages of 6 and 12, should be sealed, according to the ADA. However, tooth decay can affect any tooth. Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the permanent tooth erupts for maximum protection. Most children are around 6 years old at this point.
Who is the person responsible for applying dental sealants?
Dentists (dental hygienists) apply dental sealants while patients are in the chair. It is necessary to thoroughly clean and examine the teeth prior to use. Drying the tooth is the first step. Once the material has been applied to the tooth, it is rinsed and dried once more. As soon as that’s done, a special light is shone on the tooth so that the sealant hardens. This is a quick and painless procedure, and the child will only be required to stay in the office for the appointment itself.
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