Did you have a lot of cavities as a kid? Are you worried about your child getting cavities? It’s not always easy to get your child to brush and floss properly. A dental sealant could help prevent cavities in your child.
Children often struggle to brush their back teeth properly, and the numerous nooks and crannies in the molars can harbor plaque that can lead to cavities. Dental sealants protect the molars and help keep cavities from forming.
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry wants your child to have the best oral health possible. That’s why we offer dental sealants to help save your child from fillings at an early age.
What Are Dental Sealants?
What are sealants dental treatments? They are a special compound that is brushed over the back molars to seal the enamel and provide a protective layer between the enamel and any plaque buildup. We offer dental sealants for children, but dental sealants for adults are also an option for those prone to cavities who want extra protection for their teeth.
Sealant dental compound includes resin or glass powder and is brushed onto the chewing surface of the back molars. The molar surface is considered the most vulnerable because of the crevices in the chewing surface.
Do Dental Sealants Hurt?
Do dental sealants hurt to apply? Absolutely not! It’s similar to polishing your nails. The dental sealant procedure is a simple one.
The dental sealant compound is brushed onto the surface of the molar after a good cleaning. The compound dries quickly, sealing the dental enamel and preventing bacteria from building up in the molar’s crevices.
Once the treatment is dried, that’s it! Your child can return to normal activities and eat or drink whatever they want — or rather, whatever you allow.
Why Should My Child Get a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants can be applied to baby teeth, though it’s more common to apply them to the permanent molars once they’re in. However, if your child doesn’t brush well or has already had cavities, it’s OK to get dental sealants on their baby teeth.
The baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Losing them to severe tooth decay early can cause the permanent teeth to erupt incorrectly. That could lead to a need for braces treatment later.
Tooth decay can also cause infection if left untreated. That infection can spread and become life-threatening, which is why it’s vital to treat cavities right away, even in baby teeth. Dental sealants help prevent cavities and protect your child’s teeth, whether they’re primary teeth or permanent teeth.
Your child may also have diseases or disorders that can make them prone to cavities. Getting a dental sealant can even the playing field.
When Should My Child Get a Dental Sealant?
At what age should children receive dental sealants? A child’s first permanent molars erupt between 5 and 7 years of age. Their second molars (the set behind the first molars) erupt between 11 and 13 years of age. The third set of molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 20.
Ideally, you should apply a dental sealant once the second set of molars has erupted. However, if your child has already had cavities, it’s OK to apply the dental sealant once the first permanent molars are in. We can apply sealant to the second molars later, once all of them are in.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants will work just as well for adults as they will for children. Adults can get cavities, too!
Adults usually don’t get as many calories as children. We tend to take better care of our teeth, maintain a diet with less sugar, and brush and floss properly. However, there may be other factors that make adults prone to cavities, including hormone changes from pregnancy, chronic ailments like diabetes, or certain medications, including cancer treatments.
Natural wear from aging and teeth grinding can also make your teeth vulnerable. A dental sealant can help protect your teeth from cavities.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
You may think dental sealants are similar to fluoride treatments, which only last for a few months. In fact, dental sealants can last up to a decade! The average time is 5-10 years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth.
How do you know when it’s time for a new treatment? We will check your dental sealant each time we clean your teeth. It’s another good reason to visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and examination!
How Do I Pay for Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants can cost about $30-$60 per tooth on average, but some insurance policies will cover dental sealants. The catch is that they may cover dental sealants, but only for the molars. If you need dental sealants for other teeth, such as the premolars, you may have to pay the full price yourself.
At Beavers & Broomfield, we will work with you to help determine what your dental insurance will cover. You’ll know the cost before the procedure.
Dental Sealant Treatment in Fayetteville, AR
Dental sealants are a great way to help prevent cavities in your child’s teeth. They can help your teeth, as well. If you or your child is ready for a dental sealant in Fayetteville, AR, schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry. Let us help stop cavities before they start!
