Wish you could prevent your child from experiencing painful cavities? Luckily, you can, thanks to dental sealants. Robert Booher, DDS, and Craig Mueller, DDS, of Associates in Family Dentistry, offer family dentistry services to Avon area residents and answer a few commonly asked questions about sealants.
Are sealants just for kids who don't practice good oral hygiene?
Toothbrush bristles and floss can't reach deep into tiny pits and grooves in your child's molars and pre-molars. No matter how diligent your child is about oral hygiene, tooth decay can still occur because cavity-causing plaque tends to build up in those pits. When your child's permanent teeth erupt, they aren't quite as strong as yours. Sealants help protect them from tooth decay until they eventually become tougher.
What are sealants?
Sealants fill in those pits and grooves, providing a smooth chewing surface. They're made of plastic resin, a substance that's not only safe for your child but extremely strong. Sealants are so durable that plaque and acids can't penetrate them.
How does my child receive sealants?
Getting sealants is completely painless. Your dentist first cleans and dries the teeth, then applies an etching solution that helps the sealants adhere to them. Liquid sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth with a small brush, but quickly dry. Your dentist uses a small, blue curing light that helps the sealants harden and bond to the teeth.
How long do sealants last?
Sealant last an average of three to five years, although some children may still have their initial sealants after 10 years. During every visit, your child's dentist will examine the sealants for signs of wear. If he finds worn areas, he'll recommend reapplying sealants to ensure that your child remains protected from cavities. Sealants tend to wear off sooner if children grind their teeth.
Ready to take advantage of the cavity-fighting benefits of sealants? Call Drs. Booher and Mueller, your family dentistry professionals in Avon, at (317) 272-2700 and schedule an appointment today. Protect your child's smile with sealants!