Dental sealants for kids protect the chewing surface of the back teeth from cavities. These are the areas that are often most vulnerable to teeth decay in children, and sealants help prevent the need for cavity fillings in the future, which are all too common among children. This review discusses when a pediatric dentist may recommend dental sealants for kids.
While adults can also benefit from dental sealants to reduce the risk of cavities, they are most commonly used among children that still have their primary teeth. The following explains what dental sealants for kids are and when a pediatric dentist might recommend them for children.
Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are placed over the chewing surface of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These grooves are often the most vulnerable to child cavities because they can accumulate sugar and other food particles and combine with bacteria to create acidic attacks that damage and destroy tooth enamel. As mentioned, sealants are commonly used for primary teeth in younger patients, which is why they are highly recommended by many pediatric dentists.
A pediatric dentist is likely to recommend dental sealants for most kids that still have healthy primary back teeth. This is because dental sealants are a form of preventive care, so they are ideal for patients without cavities on their molars. For children that have cavities, a dental filling is likely the better solution.
As mentioned, the chewing surface of the back teeth can be highly vulnerable to decay for children. If cavities develop, then it could cause uncomfortable symptoms. Cavities that are too severe may require the need for more invasive procedures as well, such as a baby root canal. If the tooth must be extracted due to a large cavity that cannot be adequately treated, then it could have an impact on the ideal development of the permanent teeth, leading to an increased risk of needing further care.
Dental sealants can last for up to five years. While not the most durable form of dental treatment, they are not typically needed for a long time as children will eventually lose their primary teeth for permanent teeth. In addition, dental sealants are affordable and often covered by dental insurance providers. Subsequently, not only are dental sealants for kids often recommended, but adults can greatly benefit from dental sealant treatment in many instances as well.
If you are considering dental sealants for your kids, then we encourage you to contact our office by calling us or sending us a message and schedule a visit with our pediatric dentist. We take pride in helping children of all ages by providing dental sealants and other forms of preventative and restorative dental care.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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