Dental sealants are an invaluable part of preventative dental treatment. Sealants can help ensure that the teeth grow strong and are free of serious dental issues for children. Is a dental sealant more effective for one age group, or does the treatment work equally well for patients of all ages? Read on to learn more about the uses and effectiveness of the treatment.
A dental sealant is a liquid material whose main ingredient is composite resin, a compound that shares a few qualities with plastic. Dental sealants can be tooth-colored or transparent, depending on their chemical makeup. This is what to expect when a dentist applies sealant to one or more teeth:
When the resin hardens, it bonds with the enamel and forms a barrier that protects the tooth from potentially harmful elements in the mouth. This procedure is painless, and it typically only takes 15 minutes.
A pediatric dentist will recommend dental sealants for children when their permanent molars come in. The first set of molars usually erupts between the ages of five and seven. A dentist will recommend dental sealant at this young age for two reasons.
First, the sealant prevents plaque and food particles from nestling in the grooves and pits of the back teeth. In this way, the coating smooths the molars' biting surfaces, making them easier for the child to clean. This physical barrier helps prevent bacteria and food debris from causing cavities and other dental issues.
Second, the treatment helps allow young children's teeth to grow without frequent oral health concerns. Dentists will recommend another application of dental sealant between ages ten and 12 when the second set of molars comes in. Sealants are most effective for children because they aid the growth of healthy teeth throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Sensitive teeth result from receding gums, thinning enamel, tiny cavities, injury, and chronic issues like teeth grinding. These causes of tooth sensitivity can happen at any age, but they are more common in adults. Dental sealants to treat sensitive teeth are a corrective measure whose effects can last a while. The sealant forms a protective layer that prevents heat, cold, sugar, and corrosive substances from reaching the tooth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Allendale, NJ
Bergen County Pediatric Dentistry offers complete dental care focusing on preventative dental care, including dental sealants. We also provide the full range of procedures that fall under the umbrella of corrective dentistry. Contact us to learn more if you are in Allendale.
Request an appointment or call Bergen County Pediatric Dentistry at 201-312-6937 for an appointment in our Allendale office.
Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are painted over the chewing surfaces of teeth further back in the mouth (molars and premolars). They reduce the risk of cavities. However, protecting the sealants and further reducing your child’s risk of tooth decay also requires limiting the consumption of or avoiding certain foods.The most common foods that…
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that can greatly benefit young children who have just had their permanent molars come through. Sealants can also benefit children with baby teeth, particularly those vulnerable to decay. The following article discusses the numerous benefits of dental sealants for children.Dental sealants for children reduce the risk of dental decay…
Cavities are among the most common dental concerns. Dental sealants are a great way to reduce the risk of cavities in the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. This article discusses the reasons you should consider dental sealants for your child.The benefits of dental sealants include protection from cavities, an easy and noninvasive application process,…