Dental Sealants
As parents, we always want to do what’s best for our children, particularly their health. That includes their dental health. One standard preventive measure for kids is dental sealants in Flowood.
Are dental sealants necessary for you or your child? To answer that question, we’ll break down what dental sealants are, how they work, and their benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision for your family.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay. These surfaces have grooves and pits that make them prone to decay, as food and plaque can easily get trapped in those areas, making them difficult to clean. Sealants act as a barrier, filling these grooves and pits and preventing food and bacteria from getting in.
How Do They Work?
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth against decay and cavities. The process of getting sealants placed is simple and painless:
- Your dentist will clean and dry your teeth.
- They will apply an acid solution to the teeth to create rough surfaces for the sealant to bond to.
- Once we rinse and dry the teeth again, we apply the sealant to the grooves and crevices of your teeth with a brush.
- We use a special light to harden and set the sealant in place.
Within minutes, you’ll have an added layer of protection for your teeth that can last for years. Don’t hesitate to ask us about sealants during your next cleaning appointment.
Are They Expensive?
Dental sealants are an affordable option for preventing cavities on your molars and premolars, and they’re significantly cheaper than many other dental treatments. Getting a consultation with our team will help you determine if you or your child are a good candidate for sealants, and we can walk you through the procedure and costs associated with it. Consider dental sealants as a cost-effective preventative measure.
Their Benefits:
Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure for children as they can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with sealants on their permanent molars are far less likely to develop cavities in those teeth than those without sealants. They are also cost-effective and painless compared to other dental treatments for decayed teeth.
Their Drawbacks:
While dental sealants are generally safe and effective, they can have some drawbacks. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the sealant materials, which is very rare. The sealants can also crack or come off and may need replacement. Moreover, if decay has already started on the tooth, applying the sealant can trap the bacteria and acid under it, leading to further decay.
Is It Necessary?
While applying dental sealants is unnecessary for everyone, we recommend it for children more prone to cavities. This includes children who have deep grooves or pits in their teeth, as well as those who have had a history of cavities. Sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay, and their benefits far outweigh their potential drawbacks.
Dental Sealants in Flowood
Dental sealants can be a great preventive measure for children’s dental health, particularly those with a high risk of tooth decay. They are safe, effective, and painless and can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. However, they are unnecessary for all children, and we can evaluate each child’s needs on a case-by-case basis.
Contact us to talk to Dr. David Henry, Dr. Stephen Greer, or Dr. Chris Carlton at Lakeland Family Dentistry about whether dental sealants are suitable for your child and how to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay. We include dental sealants in our preventative dentistry services in Flowood, Mississippi. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and more for beautiful, healthy teeth and gums!