Dental Sealants: Essential Protection Against Cavities for Children in Lansing, Michigan
The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child’s mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. If you run your tongue over this area, you will feel the reason why: these surfaces are not smooth. Instead, they are filled with tiny grooves referred to as “pits and fissures,” which naturally trap bacteria and food particles. The bristles on a toothbrush can’t always reach all the way into these dark, moist little crevices, creating the perfect conditions for tooth decay.
What’s more, a child’s newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth are. Although Fluoride can help strengthen the enamel, it’s difficult to get fluoride into those pits and fissures on a regular basis. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective solution available at Schaefer Dental Group: dental sealants.
Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain. This is a critical preventive step offered by your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan.
How Sealants Are Placed
You can think of a sealant as a mini plastic filling, but please reassure your child that it is not the same as having a cavity filled. Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require numbing shots. The process is quick and simple:
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The tooth or teeth to be sealed are examined, and any minimal decay found will be gently removed.
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The tooth will then be cleaned and dried.
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A solution is applied to slightly roughen or “etch” the surface, which helps the sealing material adhere better. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again.
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The sealant is painted on the tooth in liquid form and hardens in about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special curing light. That’s all there is to it!
Important Note on Dental Sealant Safety
Concerns were once raised about trace amounts of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in some dental resins. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have repeatedly reaffirmed their strong support for the use of sealants. BPA is far more prevalent in food and beverage packaging than in dental restorative materials, and the proven benefit of decay prevention provided by sealants far outweighs the minimal exposure risk.
Taking Care of Sealants
Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss daily and have regular professional cleanings at Schaefer Dental Group. Checking for wear and tear on the sealants is important, though they should last for up to 10 years. During this time, your child benefits from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70 percent.