Dental Sealant Near You
Have you developed any tooth decay or cavities? Dental sealant placement can protect your teeth from these conditions in the future. This may sound quite intimidating, but with an experienced dentist at the partner practices of MD.co.uk, the procedure can be made simple and comfortable.
Dental sealants, also known as fissure and pit sealants, involve the application of thin coatings on the teeth to alleviate the risk of cavities. They are quite common in children, as their teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities and decay.
Cavities damage the tooth surface because specific bacteria create small holes in the enamel, affecting the dentin inside. You may not experience any prior symptoms, but as the cavity progresses, it can lead to toothache, sensitivity, infection, and eventually tooth loss. This common dental problem can occur at any stage of life, severely affecting the chewing ability of the back teeth.
What are the benefits of Dental Sealants?
- Clear, white, and transparent look makes them virtually invisible
- No need for injections or drilling
- Quick procedure
- Doesn’t dissolve upon contact with saliva
- No discomfort or pain
- Safe materials used
The Dental Sealant Procedure
- Upon visiting our partner dental practice near you, an extensive dental examination will be performed.
- An experienced dental hygienist or dentist will clean and dry the surface of the tooth to eliminate bacteria completely.
- The non-invasive and pain-free dental sealant procedure will then be carried out.
- They may apply fluoride varnish for additional protection of the sealant and teeth.
- Finally, the dentist will harden it with a curing light.
What makes dental sealants effective?
Children's molars are most prone to dental decay because the top surface of primary adult teeth doesn’t get fully mineralised. The teeth anatomy contains many deep pits and grooves, known as fissures. Cleaning them properly with a toothbrush is challenging because they are quite narrow. This is where decay and bacterial invasion can flourish.
By undergoing a dental sealant procedure at our partner practice near you, the surface of the adult teeth becomes smooth, leaving no chance for decay development. Dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in adult teeth. With proper care, they can last between 5 to 10 years, though some may last longer. So, if your child gets their first adult teeth at age 6, the sealant can protect these teeth from bacteria and cavities for several years, making the treatment worthwhile.
When should your child get dental sealants?
When your child starts to develop adult molars (mainly at age 6), it is the right time to get dental sealants. Parents are often concerned about the tooth development period of their children to ensure no adult teeth are missed for sealing:
6-7 years of age
Four molars develop and may need to be sealed
10-12 years
Second and first adult premolars develop and may need sealant
12-13 years
Eruption of second adult molars and may need sealant
The earlier your child's teeth are sealed, the lower the risk of oral bacterial buildup. Sealants can benefit oral health even if applied later. Therefore, most dentists recommend them for older children as well.
Will I save my child’s teeth with proper hygiene and limited sugar intake?
You need to teach good oral care routines and habits to your child from a young age. Take your child for regular dental check-ups at our partner private dental clinics near you. Most children get cavities when they are at school due to poor oral care habits and overconsumption of sugary drinks and snacks.
Each individual's mouth has different bacteria that produce acid when consuming sweets. This acid erodes the enamel over time, making the teeth vulnerable to decay.
Limited sugar intake, along with regular and proper flossing and brushing, is essential to control bacterial growth. However, fissures are a favourite hiding spot for bacteria and can multiply even without your knowledge. Fissure depth is genetically determined and non-reversible, making proper cleaning with a toothbrush difficult. With the help of dental sealants, you can provide an additional shield of protection to your teeth.
How to care for your dental sealants?
Sealant maintenance and care are very simple. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove debris and plaque deposited between the teeth. Finish your oral care routine with an antibacterial mouthwash to protect against potential gum disease and tooth decay.
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