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Dental Sealants for Kids; Procedure, Safety, and Cost Benefits

Best Cavity Prevention Tips for Kids in Colorado Springs

When it comes to preventing cavities in children, pediatric dentists often suggest a treatment of dental sealants. This treatment not just protects the teeth from plaque and bacteria, but acts as a barrier to prevent the food from getting trapped in areas where regular brushing often does not reach.

It is important for parents to understand that dental sealants for kids is one of the most safest and cost-effective preventative dental treatments. So there is practically no harm when going for this treatment, as it prevents your children’s teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Therefore, this blog lets you know about the procedure, safety measures, and cost benefits of dental sealants.

Purpose and Requirement of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These are usually molars and premolars in which food gets trapped easily and becomes hard to reach with regular brushing. Pediatric dentists specifically prefer two types of materials for dental sealants for kids:

  • Resin, which is usually plant based or synthetic.
  • Glass ionomers, which is a powder combined with a water-soluble acid.

This significant cavity barrier treatment protects teeth from getting bacterial infections and is recommended to children under ages 6 to 14.

Procedure for Dental Sealants for Kids

Preventive dentistry for kids makes dental sealant treatments quick and non-invasive for children. The following are common procedural steps that a specialized pediatric dentist follows when dealing with dental sealants:

Initial Examination

The treatment for dental sealants for kids starts with an initial dental examination. This step is specifically carried out to look for existing cavities that require prior treatment and to calm the child before the procedure. The pediatric dentist reassures both parents and the child that the treatment will be over in a single visit, within the estimated time of 45 minutes.

Pediatric Dental Cleaning

The sealant procedure then moves on to the second stage of professionally cleaning the teeth. This helps in getting rid of any previous plaque or debris that may hinder the treatment later on. Therefore, when the tooth surface is cleared, an etching gel is applied to roughen the enamel for bonding. After 15 minutes, it is rinsed off.

Application of Dental Sealants

This stage is the beginning of getting dental sealants for kids. The pediatric dentist carries out this in the following manner:

  • Sealant is a liquid that is brushed onto the grooves of the targeted teeth.
  • Curing light is shed to harden the sealant. This creates a durable protective layer.
  • The sealant forms an impenetrable barrier against cavities

Notably, this pediatric dental treatment can last up to ten years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. The entire experience is comfortable and well-tolerated even by younger children.

Safety of Dental Sealants for Kids

Pediatric dental sealants, being a non-invasive and painless treatment option, are safe even for children with dental anxieties. These dental sealants for kids do not require any drilling or anesthesia. However, some of the safety tips must be followed. These include:

  • It is an effective preventative measure against tooth decay, but still requires proper application.
  • The treatment must be carried out only after a dentist confirms the tooth is healthy to avoid trapping bacteria.

Significantly, after application, sealants pose no risks and help improve long-term oral health in children. Notably, sealant lifespan is mostly 10 years if proper dental care is maintained.

However, it is important to note that this treatment option does not replace the need for brushing, flossing, and fluoride treatments. Children still require good oral hygiene habits to protect the entire tooth surface from decay.

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Cost Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids

Parents must know that dental sealants for kids are one of the most cost-effective dental treatments available. Significantly, the cost range begins with $40 to $70 per tooth in Colorado Springs.

The following are a few benefits that you may experience:

  • Dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in molars.
  • Pediatric dental sealants act as a protection against costly and invasive dental procedures later in life.
  • The low up-front cost and dental insurance plans cover sealants for children.
  • The painless procedure reduces discomfort in children, that is otherwise experienced during cavity treatments.

In The End

Dental sealants for kids, being a non-invasive procedure, is one of the highly effective protective barriers against tooth decay in children. The procedure is smoothly wrapped in 45 minutes and acts as a shield against chewing surfaces of molars often prone to cavities. Moreover, sealants in children promote better oral health, and help families avoid costly dental treatments in the future.

Why Choose Life Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry?

Life Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry aims to offer comprehensive tailored treatments to children. We understand their unique needs and thus aim to set the environment accordingly for each treatment. We ensure each child’s smile remains bright without facing any discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No, dental sealants are preventive and applied to healthy teeth to stop decay. Fillings are restorative treatments used to repair teeth after cavities have formed. Additionally, the treatment aims to preserve natural tooth structure by preventing decay.​

No, the procedure is painless without involving drilling or anesthesia. It includes cleaning, applying etching gel, painting the liquid sealant, and curing it with a special light. Children tolerate it well during routine dental visits.​

Modern dental sealants contain minimal or no BPA and are BPA-free in most reputable pediatric practices. Sealants generally do not contain fluoride because their main function is to act as a physical barrier, not to remineralize teeth.