Sciota, Pennsylvania
Sealants
Dental sealants protect the teeth from decay by forming a strong barrier over the deep grooves and fissures of the molars, making them easier to clean and less vulnerable to bacteria buildup and acid erosion.
Protecting your child’s teeth during adolescence can be challenging, especially since they are learning to care for their smile. Children can quickly develop cavities in their adult molars due to poor brushing techniques. Unfortunately, your child’s back teeth are challenging to clean, and harmful bacteria remain in the tooth’s nooks and crannies. Therefore, our Sciota pediatric dentist at Quiet Valley Dental recommends that children receive dental sealants to help protect their oral health as they learn oral hygiene skills. Please learn more about how dental sealants can reduce your child’s risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of their bottom molars.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are an effective, non-toxic, and safe treatment that uses tooth-colored material to seal the biting surfaces of your child’s back teeth. The American Dental Association states that sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in most children. Therefore, our Sciota family dentist recommends applying sealants after dental cleaning to ensure maximum bacterial removal before sealing the teeth.
How do you apply sealants?
Our family dentist in Sciota explains that sealants don’t require numbing agents, drilling, or polishing during application. After thoroughly cleaning your child’s teeth and gums, we apply an etching solution to the back teeth that roughens the tooth enamel to create a more secure bond to the sealant. Next, we rinse and dry the tooth and apply the sealant. Finally, we harden the material with a curing light to bond permanently to your child’s teeth.
How long should sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years but may fall out during regular activities such as eating or chewing. Fortunately, our children’s dentist in Sciota can replace the sealants during your next six-month checkup. Additionally, we will examine all sealants to ensure they are intact and not loose. Your child can extend the protection with proper oral care, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our office twice yearly for checkups and cleanings. However, be aware that certain foods, like sticky candy and caramel, can quickly shorten the sealant’s lifespan because they can dislodge sealants, leaving your child’s molars vulnerable to decay.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Your child’s oral health is crucial during their adolescent years and can dramatically impact their overall oral health and wellness throughout their lifetime. When you choose to place sealants on your child’s teeth, it can improve their oral hygiene, help reduce tooth decay, and stop advanced conditions Requiring more time and money. Furthermore, applying sealants to your child’s teeth is quick, easy, safe, and non-toxic. That’s why our Sciota children’s dentists encourage parents to apply sealants to their child’s smiles. Not only do you protect them during their adolescence, but you set the stage for better oral health as an adult.
Pediatric Dentist in Sciota, Pennsylvania
You love to see your child smile and flash their pearly whites. Dental sealants can help them maintain a healthy smile with regular oral care practices, especially while they improve their oral hygiene practices. Then, they have an excellent start on maintaining oral and overall health. To learn more about dental sealants or to schedule an appointment at our Sciota family dental office, Quiet Valley Dental, Please call (570) 992-7040 or contact us online today.
Book Appointment
To learn more about partials and dentures or to schedule your initial consultation at our Sciota area dental office, please call Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 992-7040 or contact us online to request an appointment.
