dental sealants

We are a full-service dental practice providing care to various patients for all of their dental needs.

If you have young children, you might want to look into getting sealants for them. The reason is that this treatment is incredibly successful when it comes to cavity prevention and general oral health optimization. Below, we provide some essential information on the subject that should give you a better idea of if this treatment is right for your family.

What are Sealants?

Sealants are a substance that a dentist paints on your children’s teeth. The chemical itself is harmless, and the application process is straightforward. The reason many parents choose to use this treatment is that it leads to favorable dental health outcomes.

What Do They Protect Against?

The primary cause of cavities is food that goes uncleaned. What happens is that it turns into harmful bacteria, which leads to tooth decay. What a sealant will do is provide a protective film for teeth, which will keep food out of the area entirely.

How Dentists Use Them

Dentists like to use sealants on anyone that has an issue with bacteria buildup. Putting this protective barrier on problematic teeth, like the molars, allows for people with sub-par oral health habits to stay safe from cavities.

Why Children Use Sealants the Most

The reason why children use sealants the most is that they are more prone to cavities. The cause of this trend can be broken into two parts. First, the diet of your average child has more sugar and other harmful factors in it. Second, kids tend to have below average brushing and flossing habits, which leads to decay and other oral health issues.

The Application Process

The application process is relatively simple. First, your dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth, so no bacteria gets trapped beneath the sealant. Next, the tooth will be dried out by cotton or some other substance that absorbs the liquid. Lastly, the dentist will paint the sealant onto the teeth that need it most, and the process will be over. As you can see, getting sealants is not an intensive or time-consuming treatment.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Fortunately, this process is not one that you’ll have to carry out many times. Sealants often last for up to ten years. One thing to note, though, is that every situation is different. The sealant will need to be checked at your child’s regular dental check-ups to make sure they have not worn or been chipped away.

Special Needs Dentistry

If you have a child with special needs that unable to cooperate with getting dental care, The Dental Anesthesia Center is here to help. Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms completes dental procedures for patients here in the office, requiring general anesthesia or sedation. There are always three DAANCE (Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination) certified assistants in operatory with the dental anesthesiologist; one monitoring the anesthesia, one managing patients airway and suctioning, and one assisting with the dental treatment. We are a full-service dental practice providing care to various patients for all of their dental needs. 

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Dental sealants are a type of dental treatment intended to prevent tooth decay for children.

One of the newest things in pediatric dentistry is using something called “dental sealants.” They are supposed to reduce the risk that children’s teeth will succumb to dental cavities. It’s the first line of defense against damage to the teeth. If you are wondering if they are worth the cost to protect your child’s oral health, they might be worth it in more than just financial ways.

There is nothing that can produce a worse impression of the dentist’s office for a child than having a cavity filled. Having a cavity is a very unnerving experience, and the process to have it drilled and filled that can leave lasting dental anxiety for your child. If you can prevent them from having a cavity in the first place, then it is better for your child than to wait for a cavity to form and addressing it after the fact.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are recommended for those who are prone to dental cavities, like young kids and teenagers – even those who still have their baby teeth. They were designed to fill in the porous part of the teeth where bacteria can gather and start to create tooth decay. For kids who have unusually deep grooves and pits in their teeth, sealants help to close up the cracks and prevent particles from getting lodged and creating cavities.

Will They Cause Your Child Pain?

Dental sealants are completely pain-free. They are applied to the teeth with a liquid resin that hardens quickly. It only takes a few minutes to both apply and dry. The sealants are a great alternative to risking having your child develop a cavity, which can be painful to fill and repair.

How Long Will They Last?

Once your child has had sealants put on, they are estimated to last up to ten years. This means that for children who have had them placed on baby teeth, that is long enough to save them for quite some time from the pain and anxiety of having cavities. Sealant material does wear down over time, so you never have to worry about having them removed. Also, with good oral habits, you can extend the sealants’ lifetime for as long as they are needed.

If your child has porous teeth with deep or rough ridges, then having dental sealants put on is an excellent way to keep their teeth cavity-free and to ensure that their dental visits aren’t fraught with anxiety and pain. Since they are completely pain-free, the small cost of sealants is well worth it to avoid the anxiety and cost of having your child’s cavity filled.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!