Sealing out disease-causing substances for a cavity-free checkup: FAQs about dental sealants
Investing in dental sealants is one of the best things you can do for your children’s dental health. And guess what? It’s really not much of an investment at all. As a preventive dentistry service, these thin coatings on the back teeth fit well into all budgets and are often covered by most dental insurance plans. Sink your teeth into some of the many benefits of this staple of pediatric dental care.
What are dental sealants?
The dentists at Farhoumand Dentistry in Vienna & Tysons Corner, Virginia, apply these coverings to the premolars and molars at the back. They are made from safe, non-toxic materials. Once applied, these coatings “seal out” disease-causing substances. Such substances include stubborn food particles, sticky plaque (and its hardened form, tartar), and harmful oral bacteria. When these substances are kept out of your child’s teeth, we reduce their risk factors for developing the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal/gum disease.
Can they be applied to other teeth?
Dental sealants are designed for the chewing surfaces of the backmost teeth. The vast majority of cavities originate in these teeth. Their locations make them more susceptible to cavities. Their surfaces are also uneven and jagged. So, they tend to trap all of the “bad stuff” mentioned in our answer to the previous question.
Are they just for children?
No. With that being said, sealants are most commonly associated with pediatric patients. There are several reasons for this. First, the first molars tend to erupt at around the age of six. By applying sealants as soon as the teeth come in, there is no opportunity for food to become trapped. When the lingering food debris is removed, the process of these particles combining with bacteria to produce plaque and destructive acids is avoided. Also, children may be particularly challenged to properly clean these teeth due to the mismatch between the size of their mouths and the locations of the molars/premolars. This is a challenge made even more difficult as kids may just be acquiring the motor skills necessary to brush their teeth on their own. Sealants can be a real ally in the fight against early childhood tooth decay!
How do you place sealants?
Sealants can be seamlessly incorporated into your child’s next dental checkup. There is no special pre- or post-care. There is also no need for numbing because the process is painless. We start by cleaning and then drying the teeth. A special solution is also applied to support the strongest bond between the sealant material and the tooth. Then, the sealant is painted or brushed on as a liquid. Once it has seeped into the nooks and crannies of the teeth, a curing light is used to harden it. And that’s it!
If you haven’t scheduled your child’s checkup at Farhoumand Dentistry yet, do so today! Call our team in Vienna & Tysons Corner, VA, at (703) 636-2442.
