Pediatric Sealants
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Pediatric Sealants at Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics: Protecting Your Child's Vulnerable Teeth from Decay
You want to protect your child’s teeth from decay to keep them healthy. One of the best forms of preventive care to protect your child’s teeth is dental sealants. Pediatric sealants are protective barriers that prevent food particles and bacteria from settling in the grooves of your child’s back teeth, which are difficult to reach while brushing. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics we offer professional dental sealant placement to ensure the preventive dental care for your child and his or her healthy smile remain cavity free.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin protective layers that come in clear or white liquid resin that will harden when a special light is placed on top of the sealant. Sealants cover up the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) that are susceptible to caries as deep grooves and pits allow harder to reach areas for caries development. Dental seals are intended to seal up the grooves and to seal food particles and plaque to hard to reach areas that could lead to decay.
Are Sealants Beneficial for Children?
Sometimes the grooves in back teeth can be too tough for children to get clean enough for it to not develop a cavity even if they brush and floss properly. More often than not, these are the areas in which a cavity will develop first which is why sealants are important for kids. Studies have shown that dental sealants could decrease the probability that a cavity will form in the treated teeth by nearly 80%. The CDC cites that children with active untreated cavities were nearly three times as likely to show decay as children with sealants on the same teeth.
Sealants act as an extra layer of protection to help keep your kids a healthy smile and to avoid greater treatment measures such as fillings or crowns later!
Sanitation and Preparation:
First, the teeth intended for sealing are closely examined and cleaned. The teeth are cleaned to remove plaque or food debris. Then, the teeth are dried, and the dentist will use either cotton rolls or a rubber dam, depending on the extent of the area that needs to be dry for sealants.
Etching the Tooth Surface:
The dentist then places a special gel on the tooth’s chewing surfaces. This gel will lightly etch or rough up the tooth’s surfaces to allow better retention of the sealants.
Rinsing and Drying:
After a minute of etching, the dentist rinses off the gel, dries the tooth, and then places the sealants in teeth grooves at the occlusal surface.
Curing the Sealant:
A curing light is used to lock in the layers of the sealant and make the surface smooth, hard, and protective of the tooth. Finally, after the sealants are mounted and cured, the dentist will evaluate if there are peaked regions and if our dental floss will fit in between–indicating we are done.
In total, each tooth only takes a few minutes, and results are immediate. After the appointment, your child can immediately eat
How Are Sealants Placed?
The application of dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive and generally takes one visit. Here’s what you and your child can expect from the process of getting dental sealants:
Advantages of Dental Sealants for Children
Dental sealants can provide many benefits to children’s oral health and are therefore a vital part of most preventive care regimens. Some of the main benefits of pediatric sealants are:
Cavity Prevention:
Sealants provide coverage over the cavity prone surfaces of teeth that are in turn able to prevent decay and avoid needing future restorative treatments as a consequence.
Non-Invasive:
Dental Sealants are simple, practical, and quick to put in place. Sealants require no drilling or anesthetic. Sealants are ideal for kids that may be nervous about going to the dentist!
Cost-Effective:
Sealants are a cost effective option to prevent the unnecessary hassle of having fillings, crowns, or even root canals caused by cavities over time.
Long Lasting Protection:
Sealants will protect your teeth from decay for many years, if you provide the same comfort care to your teeth!
Are sealants safe for kids?
Absolutely! Sealants are safe and recommended for children. Sealants are made with a non-toxic material. Research supports the use of sealants to reduce cavities and it is rare for any side effects to occur. If your child has known allergies to material, like dental material, consult your dentist.
At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we take as many precautions needed to make sure every child sees dental care as a safe, comfortable and effective process!
Caring For Your Child’s Sealants
Sealants are long-lasting and strong but they do require a little attention and care to ensure they last as long as possible (potentially up to 10 years with proper care!). Biting into hard items, like chewing on ice, munching soft candies that have some hard candy shell, can cause the sealant material to chip, crack or become compromised at the edges. We encourage you to talk with your child about food options to limit any chewing on foods or any tools they may accidentally chew that could chip the sealant.
At your child’s routine dental appointments, the sealants will be regularly checked by our team to make sure they remain intact. If a small amount of sealant has worn away or been compromised at all, we can reapply the sealant to protect the tooth.
Can Sealants Replace Brushing and Flossing?
Sealants are successful for cavity prevention but should never be treated as a replacement for an effective oral hygiene regimen. For your child’s oral hygiene to be effective, it needs to involve brushing with fluoride toothpaste 2x/day, flossing 1x/day, and a dental office visit for cleaning and exam. Sealants are an additional preventative that must be paired with any effective dental hygiene regimen.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants are generally prescribed for children and adolescents when their permanent molars and premolars are erupting, typically between the ages of 6-12. But younger children with deep grooves in their baby teeth may be good candidates for sealants as protection against decay. Sometimes adults with high cavity rates may be good candidates for sealants as well.
At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, during your child’s checkup, we will look at their teeth and recommend sealants when we feel your child would benefit from the sealants as additional protection.
Local Expertise in Children’s Dentistry
Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to provide children’s dental care with expertise to families in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA. Our compassionate team has years of experience providing gentle care to kids experiencing their first visit to the dentist, or those just looking for somebody to keep a healthy smile on their growing mouths. One of the preventive services we provide is dental sealants to helps kids to achieve long-term health.
Make Your Child’s Appointment for Dental Sealants Today
If your child is due for their next dental exam or you want to know more about the advantages of dental sealants, please call Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics today. We are ready to provide tailored preventive care so your child can enjoy their healthy smile for a lifetime!
Call today at (678) 941-5151 or visit our webpage to schedule a visit to one of our numerous offices in Dawsonville, Cumming, or Lawrenceville, GA. Let’s protect your child’s teeth with dental sealants and helpful pediatric care!
FAQ :
1. What are dental sealants, and how do they protect my child’s teeth?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth (molars and premolars). These coatings seal out food and bacteria, helping to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach grooves. Sealants are a key part of your child’s preventive dental care at Bright Smiles in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville.
2. Are dental sealants safe for my child?
Yes, dental sealants are completely safe for children. They are made from non-toxic materials and have been shown to effectively reduce the risk of cavities. At Bright Smiles, we use only the highest quality sealants to ensure your child’s oral health is protected safely.
3. How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. During routine visits to any of our Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville locations, we will check the sealants to ensure they remain intact. If needed, we can reapply the sealant to keep your child’s teeth protected.
4. What is the process for applying dental sealants to my child’s teeth?
The application of dental sealants is a quick and easy procedure. It involves cleaning the teeth, applying a special gel to etch the surface, placing the sealant, and curing it with a light. The process is non-invasive, and your child can eat right after the procedure. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth at our offices in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville.
5. How do dental sealants prevent cavities?
Sealants cover the grooves in your child’s back teeth where food and bacteria can get trapped, which can lead to cavities. By sealing these hard-to-reach areas, sealants reduce the risk of decay, providing long-term protection from cavities. Studies show that sealants can decrease the likelihood of cavities by up to 80% in treated teeth.
6. At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 12 when their permanent molars and premolars begin to erupt. However, younger children with deep grooves in their baby teeth can also benefit from sealants to prevent early decay. Our team in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville will assess your child’s dental needs and recommend sealants when appropriate.
7. Are dental sealants a substitute for brushing and flossing?
No, dental sealants should be used in addition to a thorough oral hygiene routine, not as a replacement. Your child should continue to brush twice daily, floss, and have regular dental check-ups at our Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville locations to ensure their teeth stay healthy.
8. Can dental sealants be applied to baby teeth?
Yes, dental sealants can be applied to baby teeth if they have deep grooves that are prone to cavities. Applying sealants to baby teeth can help prevent decay and protect your child’s teeth as they prepare for their permanent teeth to come in. We offer this preventive service at all of our locations in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville.
9. How much do dental sealants cost at Bright Smiles?
The cost of dental sealants can vary based on the number of teeth treated and your insurance coverage. At Bright Smiles in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville, we offer affordable options for families, and many insurance plans cover the cost of sealants as part of preventive care. We’ll help you verify your benefits and provide an accurate cost estimate.
10. Can dental sealants be reapplied if they wear out or crack?
Yes, if a sealant wears out, cracks, or comes off, it can easily be reapplied during your child’s routine dental visit. Our team at Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville will check the sealants at each appointment to ensure they are intact and continue to provide optimal protection for your child’s teeth.
Why Choose Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Local Expertise
We know the Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville communities and are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our neighbors.
Comprehensive Services
From dental implants to orthodontics and general dentistry, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.
Patient-Centered Care
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that fits their individual needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to transform your smile? Contact Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics today at (678) 941-5151 to schedule your consultation. With convenient locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA, we’re here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through our comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry services.
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