What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an easy procedure to guard your child's teeth against decay and cavities. Sealants are thin, flexible plastic coatings that can be put on the tops of your child's back teeth (molars and premolars). Once they are placed, sealants block out plaque, tartar, bacteria, and food particles to protect from many problems, such as cavities. Dental sealants can stay on for many years if they are cared for properly with a good home oral hygiene routine. Not only can sealants maintain oral hygiene and lower the risk of dental cavities, but they can also save money at future annual dental exams at First Class Pediatric Dentistry. Talk to board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Adesegun Tewogbade at your child's dental exam in our Snellville, GA office to decide if sealants are right for your family.
Reviews
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
The best candidates for dental sealants are patients who are more prone to developing cavities. In many cases, sealants are recommended for children and teens who may have a more difficult time maintaining regular teeth brushing habits. While sealants do not take the place of a good at-home oral routine, they can help lower the risk of cavities and the chance of needing complex treatments in the future. Dental sealant application is a fast, simple treatment that generally doesn't require anesthesia or sedation, making it a great procedure for children of all ages.
How Are Teeth Sealed?
During your child's treatment consult, Dr. T will first need to examine his or her teeth to decide if sealants are the right treatment. Prior to the actual application, your child's teeth will be cleaned and polished to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Then, Dr. T or one of his professional hygienists will brush on the sealant and set it with a light. After the application is set, Dr. T will check if the sealant has settled correctly.
What to Expect After Getting Sealants
After the sealants are placed, your child can resume normal activities. With proper care, sealants can be long-lasting. Dr. T recommends following a good oral hygiene regimen at home, including brushing for at least 2 – 3 minutes twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with an anti-cavity mouthwash. Your child should avoid eating hard or sticky foods for several days after getting dental sealants. At your child's future dental appointments, Dr. T will decide if the sealants need to be applied again.
Seal Your Child's Smile
Your child may be one of the many people who may benefit from sealants to protect the teeth. Dental sealants are a great option to prevent future dental procedures, like fillings and crowns. A relatively quick and easy procedure, sealants can help your family experience better dental visits and improved general health. If you would like to learn more about sealants, contact our office in Snellville, GA to schedule a consultation with Dr. T.