Your Child’s Pediatric Dentistry Visit for Dental Sealants

Pediatric dentistry involves the oral health care of toddlers, children and adolescents. Children are especially vulnerable to cavities and gum disease, which is why pediatric dentistry visits are necessary. During these visits, preventive measures can be taken to ensure good oral health. A popular pediatric dentistry measure that helps prevent cavities and the need for dental restorations is dental sealant placement.  

Take a child to a pediatric dentistry office for dental sealants

Outlined below is everything important to know regarding pediatric dentistry visits for dental sealant placement. This information can be especially helpful for parents who are preparing their child or considering the procedure. 

Dental sealants and the procedure

Dental sealants are very thin, often resin-based coatings that are painted directly over the chewing surfaces of back teeth, otherwise known as molars. The procedure is simple, painless and quick. Children must first have their teeth thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, the pediatric dentist will use a dental tool to paint the liquid coating over the back teeth. To finish, a UV light may be used to harden the liquid and seal off the tooth. 

When are they needed?

In a pediatric dentistry setting, dental sealants may be recommended for children who are extremely prone to cavities. Toddlers and children consume a lot more sugar than adults, and they do not always practice the best oral hygiene, which makes their teeth vulnerable. When this is the case, a pediatric dentist may suggest dental sealants to protect teeth, prevent cavities and eliminate the need for later dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns. 

After the baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth begin to grow in. In most instances, the adult teeth will grow in while children are still developing, which means there is still a high risk of cavity development. Pediatric dentists often recommend the re-application of dental sealants on permanent teeth. This ensures maximum protection. 

Other things to note

It is important to note that dental sealants are not permanent preventive measures. As stated earlier, children should undergo a re-application once their adult teeth come in. Additionally, normal wear and tear, such as chewing, will weaken the sealants. Typically, dental sealants should be reapplied every five years to ensure strength. 

While dental sealants are primarily used in a pediatric dentistry setting, adults too, can undergo the procedure for maximum protection. Children that undergo dental sealants at a young age, may want to have them re-applied every five years, which can be helpful into adulthood. 

Find out more

Dental sealants are one of the simplest but most protective procedures offered in pediatric dentistry, which is why parents are urged to consider the procedure for their children. When looking for further information on dental sealants for children in pediatric dentistry, it is best to directly consult with a dentist. Dental professionals are available to address any questions or concerns and to help you schedule an appointment. Reach out today to learn more or to get your child started with dental sealants.

Request an appointment here: https://www.pediatricdentistsuffolk.com or call Fun Park Pediatric Dentistry at (757) 767-2767 for an appointment in our Suffolk office.