When Are Children Best Suited To Get Sealants On Their Permanent Molars?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth for preventing tooth decay. The posterior teeth such as the molars and premolars are usually the recipients of dental sealants. The sealant applied to the teeth bonds quickly into any depressions or grooves of the teeth to form a protective layer over the enamel of every tooth.

It is well known that brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from the smoother surfaces of the teeth but reaching the nooks and corners of the back teeth to remove the food particles and plaque is often difficult. Dental sealants can protect these vulnerable areas from decay by preventing the plaque and food from getting in.

When Should Children Be Getting Dental Sealants?

Children and teenagers are suitable candidates for getting dental sealants in the depressions and grooves of premolars and molars because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions. A dentist in Wilmington will happily provide children the dental sealants needed along with adults who can also benefit from them if they do not have any fillings or decay in their molars.

Parents of children searching for a dentist near me are suggested to contact dentist 01887 for dental sealants in Wilmington. The parents must understand that children should be getting the sealants on their permanent molars as well as pre-molars as soon as the teeth appear. This helps the sealants to protect the teeth during the cavity-prone ages between 6 to 14. Dental sealants are also appropriate for baby teeth on occasion’s when the baby teeth of a child have depressions or grooves. Baby teeth have an important role to play in holding the appropriate space for permanent teeth. Therefore it is essential to ensure the health of the baby teeth to make sure they are not lost early.

How Does The Dentist In Wilmington Apply Dental Sealants?

The method of applying dental sealants is easy and painless. The dentist in Wilmington will only need a few minutes for the application to seal the tooth. The process for the application is as follows:

• Initially, the teeth that need the sealants will be thoroughly cleaned.
• Every tooth is dried and absorbent material is placed around the tooth to ensure it remains dry.
• A solution containing acids is applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up for helping the sealant to bond with the teeth.
• The teeth are rinsed and dried after the above procedure is completed.
• Finally, the dental sealant is painted on the tooth enamel where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. A special curing light may also be used to help the dental sealant harden.

Will the Sealants Last Long After Being Applied?

Dental sealants often last for several years before another application will be required. Your dentist in Wilmington will check the condition of the sealant and apply them again if needed.

Can the Sealants Be Applied Over Cavities?

Dental sealants are used to prevent tooth decay from occurring but can also be used over areas where early decay is being observed. It can prove helpful to prevent further damage to the tooth. As some dental sealants are translucent your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to ensure the sealant is working perfectly.

Are There Any Side Effects?

No side effects of dental sealants have been recorded until this moment. However if the child or adult is prone to certain allergies they may suffer from some side effects.

Are Dental Sealants Covered by Insurance Plans

Many insurance companies are covering the costs of dental sealants for patients who are younger than 18. Therefore parents are advised to verify with their insurance carrier to determine whether they are covered by the insurance plan.

Parents of children who are concerned their child may develop cavities from tooth decay are suggested to contact a dentist in Wilmington for the dental sealants their child needs. The sealants will play an important role to maintain the dental as well as the overall health of the child making parents feel they had decided appropriately for the better health of their child. A small investment in the dental sealants will ensure long-term health benefits for the child preventing regular visits to dentists for any issues other than regular checkups.