We all know it is important to brush and floss twice a day along with limiting the sweet intake. However, it is easier said than done and we are still vulnerable to cavity and decay, especially kids. However, as a preventive measure, dental sealants can help in protecting teeth from decay.
They act as a protective barrier that is placed on the molars of the children for protecting them from getting decayed. They have become a popular dentistry treatment as they help in keeping children’s teeth away from cavity and decay which is a common dental issue in kids, says the dentist near 78613. They work well for preventing decay and also help in improving oral health but you must discuss with your dentist about the procedure and its benefits.
What are Dental Sealants?
The dental sealants are plastic coating done on the molars and pre-molars of the kids which are more prone to cavity and decay. The dentist applies them to the top of the teeth along with the grooves of the teeth and the back of the mount. Molars located at the back of the mouth have grooves and areas where debris and food particles can hide. They are also hard to clean areas that make them vulnerable to decay and cavity. The sealants act as a barrier and obstruct these particles from getting into the teeth, says the Cedar Park dentist.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The process of applying sealants is not a difficult one and there is no pain or discomfort involved. The process takes only a few minutes for completing. Once the tooth is cleaned, the dentist applies a washing solution on the surface of the teeth. The material is applied directly to the back teeth, into the grooves. It takes only a few minutes to get dry and then the patient is allowed to eat and drink anything normally.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
It is said that dental sealants in Cedar Park can last for almost 10 years. However, the duration can vary from person to person. Visiting the dentist regularly can help in maintaining them for a longer duration.
Benefits of Sealants for Kids
- The dental sealants can help in preventing cavities up to 80% in the back teeth where most of the cavities occur.
- It has been observed that school-going children have 3 times more cavities than children with sealants.
- Cavities are quite painful and getting them treated with fillings and root canal is also painful and expensive. However, if you get sealants, there is no pain involved and the treatment is usually not expensive.
- The dental sealants are covered by many health insurance plans.
What Parents Must Do?
Once your child has gotten their first set of molars around the age of 6, take them to the dentist in Cedar Park, TX, so that they can let you know if sealants are right for your kids or not. It is said that sealants are more effective if they are applied soon after the molar comes in before any damage has taken place. Your child will get the second set of molars around the same age and the same procedure should take place at that time.
If your child feels anxious about getting sealants, you can reassure the child that it is a painless procedure. The dentist will clean and dry the tooth before the application of the sealants. Then a gel will be applied on the tooth so that it can help the sealants adhere well to the tooth. The dentist will then clean and dry the tooth and apply the sealant. He will then use a special blue light for drying the sealant. The sealants can last for long but regular dental appointments are required for making sure that they are in a good condition.
Can Adults Get Sealants?
Adults can also benefit from sealants. While sealants are most commonly used in kids, they can also serve adults. If someone is vulnerable to decay and cavity, the sealants can work well for them! For people with deep grooves and pits in the molars, the use of sealants can help in protecting the teeth from ongoing damage.
