At Strawberry Hill Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Surrey, we are committed to providing top-notch preventive care to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright. One effective preventive measure we offer is dental sealants. This simple treatment can make a significant difference in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. Here’s what you need to know about sealants and how they benefit your child’s oral health.
Why Consider Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a highly effective way to prevent cavities, especially on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay is most likely to occur. At Strawberry Hill Family Dental, we often recommend sealants for children and teenagers, but adults at high risk for decay can also benefit from them.
The back teeth have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. Sealants provide a protective barrier that keeps these areas safe from decay. Research shows that sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the first two years after application and up to 50% for several years thereafter. Children who do not receive sealants are more than three times as likely to develop cavities compared to those who do.
When Is the Best Time for Sealants?
Your child’s first molars typically come in around age six, with the second set appearing around age twelve. Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as these molars emerge. During regular check-ups at Strawberry Hill Family Dental, we can determine the best timing for applying sealants to ensure your child’s teeth are well-protected from the start.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Applying sealants is a straightforward and painless process that involves no drilling or discomfort. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it’s done:
- Cleaning: We begin by thoroughly cleaning your child’s teeth to remove any plaque and debris.
- Preparation: A special gel is applied to the teeth to prepare the surface for bonding.
- Rinsing: The gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried.
- Application: The sealant is painted onto the grooves of the tooth.
- Curing: A blue light is used to harden the sealant, creating a durable barrier against decay.
This quick procedure provides immediate protection and can be completed in just one visit.
Addressing Your Concerns
Sealants are safe and have no known side effects. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, but if your child has any allergies, please inform our dentist so we can ensure the safest treatment plan.
Maintaining the Benefits of Sealants
Sealants are long-lasting but may need reapplication after a few years. Regular dental visits to Strawberry Hill Family Dental are crucial for monitoring the condition of the sealants and your child’s overall oral health. If it has been a few years since your child received sealants, or if you’re unsure of their current condition, our team can provide a thorough evaluation.
For more information on dental sealants and how they can help protect your child’s smile, contact Strawberry Hill Family Dental. We are here to provide the best care for your child’s teeth and to keep their smile healthy and bright.
Schedule your appointment with your dentist in Surrey today to discuss dental sealants or any other dental concerns you may have!