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With the many bumps and grooves, the chewing surfaces of children's teeth are highly susceptible to cavities. As dentistry constantly advances, the use of dental sealants has helped in the prevention of cavities in children's teeth. For more than 30 years, sealants have offered a protective coating that covers the surfaces of teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Toddlers, children in cavity-prone years (ages 4 to 17), and even adults face the dental problems. Premolars and molars have the most pits and fissures, which make it difficult for people of any age to reach with a toothbrush or floss, but by applying sealants on the molars it can help prevent tooth decay. What are Dental Sealants? Sealants are made from a slim sliver or plastic, which fills the fissures and pits of the teeth when applied to the molars. This helps to form a barrier between the tooth and plaque. Dental sealants are also discreet as they are located in the back of a person's mouth, making them difficult to notice. Permanent molars are the best teeth for dental sealants. It is important to apply the sealant to the molars soon after they first erupt, decreasing the risk of tooth decay. There is a greater chance of decay or infection the longer bacteria and plaque are allowed to remain on the teeth. Children and teenagers are more prone to decay, even if they maintain a decent level of oral hygiene. Applying Dental Sealants Depending on your dentist's recommendations, the procedure for dental sealants may be performed on baby teeth after eruption and then repeated at regular intervals over the years in order to protect teeth longer. Once the sealant is applied, it gradually is lost due to natural wear and tear of the teeth, which makes for the procedure to be repeated. Before applying the sealant, your dentist will clean the teeth, dry them and apply a slightly acidic solution that is designed to help bond the sealant to the surface of the tooth. Next, each tooth is "painted' with a very thin layer of the sealant coating. Since the coating is clear or white, it blends in easily with the natural tooth color. Typically, a high intensity light is used in order to harden the sealant after it has been applied to the teeth. It is important to remember that dental sealants do not replace fluoride. Instead, they aide in the benefits of fluoride, and help preserve teeth so that they do not decay or require more extensive dental procedures later on in your child's life. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will remain protected from tooth decay. Dental sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can usually last several years before reapplication is needed. During regular visits to your dentist in Prior Lake, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply when necessary. Talk to your dentist today to see if dental sealants are appropriate for protecting your child's smile against tooth decay.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Prior Lake childrens dentist, Dr. Thomas Morgan. Offering a wide spectrum of services including dental implants, teeth whitening, sedation dentistry and Invisalign, Dr. Morgan, dentist in Prior Lake, MN, is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of all ages.
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