Help Your Child Overcome Tooth Decay with Pediatric Dental Sealants
If your child is struggling with tooth decay, relying solely on brushing and flossing may not be enough. Despite diligent oral care, certain areas of the mouth remain difficult to reach, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria. Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers a solution to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth where over 80% of tooth decay occurs. These sealants form a protective barrier on susceptible teeth, effectively blocking out harmful bacteria and erosive acids.
Ready to safeguard your child’s oral health with dental sealants? Arrange an appointment with Simply Kids Dental. Dental sealant application is a straightforward and painless procedure, ensuring your child’s teeth remain free from decay.
What is a dental sealant?
The chewing surfaces of posterior teeth (molars and premolars) have grooves and pits that trap food debris and harmful bacteria, making these teeth vulnerable to decay. While brushing and flossing are meant to clean these surfaces, the crevices are too tiny for thorough cleaning.
Dental sealants are a conservative and effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted over the vulnerable teeth to block plaque, bacteria, food debris, acids, and other harmful deposits. By sealing a tooth, these minute fissures are smoothed out, reducing the likelihood of plaque accumulation. The protective layer also covers the grooves, making a smooth surface for easier cleaning.
How are dental sealants applied?
The process is quick and painless and doesn’t require anesthesia, shots or drilling. Before applying a sealant, the dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth to remove any traces of bacteria. Then, a special solution is applied to the teeth to create a strong bonding surface.
After drying your child’s teeth, we will carefully paint the sealant material on the chewing surfaces, carefully covering the pits and grooves. Next, we’ll dry the sealants with a special light, and your child’s teeth will be ready for immediate use.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last many years, provided you take good care of them and visit your dentist every six months. On average, sealants can last anywhere between 3-5 years, although it’s not uncommon to encounter adults with intact sealants from childhood. Should we notice any signs of wear and tear, dental sealants can be repaired or replaced altogether.
A dental sealant only provides protection when it’s intact. So, if you notice your child’s sealant has come off, please call our office and schedule a re-sealing appointment to maintain optimal dental health.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Provided that you brush and floss your teeth diligently, dental sealants are effective in combating cavities. They help protect vulnerable teeth that are not easily reached by at-home dental tools.
Dental sealants offer numerous advantages, including:
- Provide an “invisible” protection
- Conservative and painless procedure
- Quick treatment
- Long-lasting results
- They protect sensitive teeth as a bonus
- Prevent the need for future restorative treatments
- They are suitable for patients of all ages
My child needs dental sealants. What next?
Despite your child’s concerted efforts in oral hygiene, cavities can still become a concern. Protect your child’s teeth today by inquiring about dental sealants from Dr. Sean Vostatek and the team. The process is quick and painless but provides long-lasting results. Call (719) 249-2030 to discover how dental sealants can protect your child’s smile.