A Comprehensive Guide On Dental Sealants In Bloomfield
To prevent cavities, you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss them daily. That should do it for teens and adults. However, for kids, you may need to do more and have your child get dental sealants from a pediatric dentist near you. If you are wondering what sealants are, they are thin protective coatings placed on molars to help prevent decay.
These coatings are usually made of plastic. It is worth noting that getting sealants does not mean that you should stop practicing proper oral hygiene. They are no substitutes for flossing or brushing your teeth.
Sealants are very effective, and this can be seen from the fact that they reduce up to 80% of molars. According to the CDC, children who do not use sealants experience cavities three times more than those who use them. This article will help you know more about this treatment, and you can decide whether it is good for your kid.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Think of sealants as some kind of raincoats. The same way a raincoat prevents your clothes from getting wet, sealants prevent the food remains from meeting with your teeth. Food particles on teeth meet with cavity-causing bacteria that live on our mouths and form acids that create cavities. If these two are prevented from meeting, the acid cannot be formed, hence preventing tooth decay.
Who Can Use Sealants?
Both kids and adults can benefit from dental sealants near you. However, the earlier one gets them, the better. The first molars appear when a child is about six years old, and the second develops when a child is about 12 years old.
Sealing them as soon as they erupt can ensure that your child lives a cavity-free life, saving you a lot of money in the long run. Your dentist will advise you on whether sealants are good for you or not. If you are in Bloomfield and are searching for ‘a pediatric dentist near me,’ we can help you. Contact us now.
How Are They Applied?
The process of applying sealants is quick and painless. The dentist cleans and dries your mouth before placing some acidic gel on your teeth. The gel’s purpose is to roughen up the tooth/teeth so that they can form a strong bond with sealants once they are applied.
The dentist then rinses off the gel and dries your mouth once more and then applies the sealant onto the grooves of the teeth. Finally, he uses a special light to harden the sealant.
Can Sealants Fail?
Yes, that is possible. After all, nothing is fail-proof. Some children are wiggly, which makes it difficult to isolate their teeth and dry them, which can cause the sealant to fail. Regular visits to your pediatric dentist, at least once every six months, can help ensure that the sealants are working as they should.
Additionally, consuming a lot of sugary drinks at a great frequency can cause the sealants to fail. Your dentist will counsel you on the nutrition of your child and conduct fluoride therapy to ensure the sealants succeed. Chewing ice with your sealants can also wear them prematurely.
What is the Most Preferred Material for Sealants?
There are several materials used for sealants, and choosing the most appropriate for you can be overwhelming. It is crucial to select the material that you feel the most comfortable using. The main types are glass ionomer cement and resin-based. Research shows that none is superior to the other, but you still need to choose the most comfortable one.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants can protect your teeth from decay for up to ten years. However, you need to make sure that you visit the pediatric dentist frequently so that he can check them and replace them where necessary. Talk to us if you require a Bloomfield pediatric dentist who will place sealants that will last for a long time.
Does Insurance Cover Sealants?
Most dental insurance providers cover the cost but usually until the child is 18. Be sure to talk to your provider to confirm if the expenses will be covered.
Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry
If you require a pediatric dentist in Bloomfield, CT, we are here for you. Here, we understand the essentiality of customer care, and that’s why we always make sure that you receive the best dental services in Bloomfield. We provide emergency dental services, and we are open on Saturdays. Our services are affordable, and we are always ready to help. Book an appointment now!