People often hear about dental sealants; however, the general public may not know much about them. This is unsurprising, as it isn’t really a mainstream solution to all dental concerns. The thing is, they would usually be suggested by dentists, depending on the type of condition a tooth is in.
That being said, if you happen to be a parent and your children’s dentist is suggesting to do such a procedure on your kid’s teeth, there are a couple of things that you must first know about it as a whole. Here are just a few important pieces of information about them.
What Are Dental Sealants?
As some of you might have already guessed, dental sealants are chemical coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth with spots that are vulnerable to cavities.
These sealants must be placed on teeth before a cavity appears, as they will be able to block bacteria from entering the enamel layers, prevent it from being damaged, and protect its surrounding tooth structure.
This is usually done in children between the ages of six and twelve, as they are more likely to develop their permanent teeth at that age. In most cases, a dentist will suggest applying between nine and twelve layers of dental sealants on the teeth.
It is essential to remember that dental sealants are not a permanent solution to cavities, as they can wear off after a few years. So, you will probably have to reapply them to your children’s teeth every couple of years.
What Would Prevent a Dentist from Applying Dental Sealants?
If you happen to ask a dentist if they could be a good candidate for dental sealants, they will most likely suggest them to your child. However, a couple of factors can prevent the dentist from applying them.
For example, if your child has already had several cavities in the teeth that are vulnerable to having more, it’s not a good idea to have any dental sealants placed on them at all. This is because the cavities might actually expand during the sealant procedure.
Additionally, if the teeth in question are too small for dental sealants to fit properly, dental sealants can’t be used. This is because these procedures are only recommended for children older than six years of age.
How Can You Tell If Dental Sealants Have Been Applied to Your Child’s Teeth?
As this is a procedure that is mostly, if not completely, invisible, most people won’t even notice that they have dental sealants on their teeth. However, some symptoms might point out the fact that they have been applied to your child’s teeth.
For example, your child might experience an unusual sensation in the mouth after eating something tough and crunchy. This can already be a telling sign that the dental sealants have been applied to it already.
Additionally, if your child has asked their dentist if their teeth feel weird, you might want to start worrying about whether or not dental sealants have been applied.
Of course, they will not be applied without your knowledge, so there is no need to worry about them suddenly appearing on your kid’s tooth.
Conclusion
If you want to get your child’s teeth sealed, it’s best to consult with a dentist about it. They can tell you if your child is an ideal candidate for it, and if they are, they will properly apply them.
However, remember that dental sealants come with a small price tag, so a consultation with a dentist first will definitely let you know how much you need to pay for the procedure. They will also advise you whether or not it’s necessary and if it could potentially lead to something more serious.
If you are looking for experienced walk-in dentists in Raleigh, NC, that also offer dental sealants for children, look no further than our experts here at Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry. We provide a full range of patient-oriented dental services, including routine checkups, cleaning appointments, extensive tooth restorations, amongst other things. Call us today to book an appointment for your child’s dental checkup and sealant procedure.
