Dental sealants are a common pediatric dentistry procedure that plays an important role in the prevention of cavities in children. It is helpful to understand what the purpose of dental sealants is and when a pediatric dentist may recommend them so parents can determine if they are right for a child.
Pediatric dentists do more than treat oral health concerns after they develop; they are equally concerned with preventing issues such as cavities from developing in the first place. The following is a complete overview of the role dental sealants play for prevention in pediatric dentistry and what to expect during treatment.
Dental sealants use a dental material bonded over the biting surface of primary teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Children are often vulnerable to tooth decay, and getting multiple dental fillings can be expensive for parents and an uncomfortable experience for children. Sealants help to prevent cavities from developing in the first place so that children can avoid needing filling. They ensure baby teeth come out at the appropriate time, which encourages the proper growth and development of the permanent teeth.
There is a typical process that pediatric dentists follow when applying dental sealants, although each professional may have their own slightly different method. Typically, after discussing the procedure with the child and parent and ensuring they are comfortable, the pediatric dentist will thoroughly clean and dry the tooth. An acidic solution is placed on the tooth, which helps the sealant material bond. Then the dentist washes away the solution and cleans the tooth before applying the sealant and finally hardening it with a bonding light.
Every parent should consider how dental sealants can benefit their child. Sealants are a good idea for anyone of any age who is vulnerable to developing cavities. Unfortunately, this includes almost every child, regardless of how good their oral care routine is. The way to determine if dental sealants are right for your child is to discuss the option with a pediatric dentist. Especially if there are early signs of weakened enamel or tooth decay, it may be recommended to get sealants to prevent further erosion.
Dental sealants are affordable and noninvasive, whereas dental fillings are more invasive and tend to cost more for parents. Therefore, relying on dental sealants’ ability to further prevent cavities is a great way to save money long-term. With that said, dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral care, and parents should still work hard to ensure children are following a good daily oral care routine.
The first step in the process of getting dental sealants is to arrange for a consultation visit with a dentist. Our pediatric dentistry team helps children and their parents through the entire dental sealant treatment procedure.
Are you considering pediatric dentistry in the Phoenix area? Get more information at https://camelbackpeds.wpengine.com.
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