Every parent’s goal is to ensure their child’s well-being. Regarding their oral health, the best they can provide is guidance for proper oral hygiene. However, parents will still need the help of experts to give their children the best care possible. So, to protect your kids’ teeth around the clock, dentists recommend the application of dental sealants in Newmarket.
What are dental sealants?
Thorough brushing and flossing are great ways to maintain your teeth clean. However, leaving food particles in the nooks and crannies on teeth surfaces is still possible. It will eventually accumulate into plaque and cause damage.
To create a shield on your teeth from these bad elements, you need to seal the bite with sealants.
Tooth sealants are thin plastic coatings that a dentist or dental hygienist applies on the chewing surfaces of teeth. This treatment aims to protect the bite from the harmful effects of food, such as decay. Usually, the back teeth or the molars need sealants as they’re more prone to bacteria buildup due to their shape and position.
Although this dental treatment is unnecessary, it is one of the best options for becoming cavity-free, especially for kids. Tooth sealants are effective, affordable, and easy to apply.
Who can have sealants?
Because disease-causing bacteria can easily linger in the tooth’s depressions and grooves, sealants are most recommended for kids and teenagers. Nevertheless, adults can benefit from dental coatings in protecting their molars if their teeth don’t have cavities or fillings.
Dentists would suggest that your kids have dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars and premolars erupt. It will protect their teeth during the cavity-prone ages of 6 to 14.
Dental sealants are also best for protecting baby teeth. If a baby’s temporary teeth have a deep pit and fissure, it is most likely susceptible to bacteria buildup. Keeping your baby’s teeth healthy is important to prevent them from misaligning due to tooth loss.
Is the treatment expensive?
The application of sealants is an easy and non-invasive procedure. It can be done in a single appointment and doesn’t need the patient under sedation or anesthesia. The sealant material is also safe and of quality.
On average, plastic sealants cost around $30 CAD to $60 CAD for each tooth. Some dental insurance companies cover sealant costs considering the patient is 18 or younger. To make sure what your plan covers, consult your insurance provider.
How long will it last?
With proper dental care and maintenance from your dentist, your dental sealants may last more than 10 years. If the dentist notices that your sealants are starting to chip or wear off, they may replace them as often as necessary.
How to apply sealants to your teeth
Applying sealant is very easy and simple. It takes only a few minutes to complete and involves no surgical procedure. Rest assured. Your kids will not experience any discomfort during the process. However, sedation dentistry is always an option if your child needs help getting comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Generally, most children feel no pain or anxiety during this process and complete the procedure without a problem.
The steps in plastic sealants application are as follows:
- First, the dentist cleans the teeth thoroughly and ensures no debris is stuck between them. It is done so that nothing harmful to your teeth gets trapped when applying the coating.
- Second, he dries each tooth with cotton and places absorbent materials around it to keep it dry.
- Third, the dentist etches the tooth by putting an acid solution on the teeth’ surfaces. As a result, the teeth will get rough and become ready for the bonding process.
- Then, he rinses the solution off and dries the teeth completely.
- Finally, the dentist applies the sealants to the tooth. He carefully paints the coating material on the tooth enamel where it bonds directly. A special curing light will be helpful to speed up the process and harden the coating. He may apply up to three times to ensure the coating is thick and durable.
The role of dentistry in upkeeping a patient’s overall health is vital. If you know this, let your child regularly see their Newmarket dentist near you and never skip the oral hygiene routine.