Prevention of dental caries is essential for the dental health of children. Dental sealants are an efficient preventive strategy frequently suggested by dentists. These microscopic preventative coatings can significantly improve how well a child’s teeth are protected from decay and cavities. We will examine the advantages of dental sealants and why they are a wise choice for guarding a child’s teeth in this blog post. If you are looking for a trusted dental practice to provide dental sealants for your child, Dentists of Hinsdale Lake offer high-quality pediatric dental care.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars, as they are the teeth most susceptible to cavities. It is typically recommended for children and teenagers because they are most prone to cavities during permanent tooth eruption. These teeth have pits and fissures where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. Sealants act as barriers, sealing off these vulnerable areas and preventing the onset of tooth decay.
The Process of Applying Dental Sealants
Your child’s dentist often applies dental sealants, which is a short and painless procedure. This is how it goes:
- Cleaning: Before sealing the teeth, the dentist will first thoroughly clean them.
- Etching: To help the sealant adhere to the tooth, a moderate acid solution was administered to the teeth to provide a rough surface.
- Sealant Application: The dentist will paint the tooth’s surface with the liquid sealant. Under a specific curing light, it immediately hardened into a strong protective layer.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Cavity Prevention: The capacity of dental sealants to prevent cavities is their main advantage. They produce a smooth surface that is simpler to clean and less prone to plaque accumulation by closing off pits and cracks.
- Economical: Dental sealants are an inexpensive preventive strategy that can help save money in the long term when compared to the cost of fixing cavities.
- Painless and non intrusive: Dental sealants are applied without pain or intrusive procedures. As there are no needles or drills, children can participate without feeling anxious.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Dental sealants can shield a child’s teeth from decay for a number of years, offering ongoing protection during the years when they are most susceptible.
- Better Oral Health: By lowering the need for fillings and other dental procedures, dental sealants help children have better oral health in general.