Dental Sealants
The chewing surface of the back teeth is a common area for tooth decay in children and adults, but the problem is especially prevalent in children who are just learning to care for their teeth. The back teeth present additional challenges during brushing because they contain pits and fissures that can trap food particles and bacteria.
Newly Erupted Permanent Teeth More Prone to Tooth Decay
Tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer present on each tooth, becomes stronger as people age. Between the challenge of reaching the back teeth with a typical toothbrush and lack of protective enamel, kids have a higher risk of tooth decay in the molar teeth than adults do. Although fluoride can help, it can be difficult for dentists to apply it evenly on the back teeth. Western Slope Dental Center offers sealants in Grand Junction, CO to reduce the risk of early cavities for pediatric patients.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants contain a liquid coating with plastic resin that becomes invisible once it has dried and hardened. Our dentists recommend dental sealants for children who do not get enough fluoride in their diet or using fluorinated dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
How Dentists Apply Sealants
The first step in a pediatric patient receiving a dental sealant is for one of our dentists to examine the tooth requiring sealing, remove any decay, and clean and dry the tooth. Next, our dentist applies a liquid solution to allow the sealing material to adhere to the tooth and make it possible to complete the next step.
After rinsing and drying the tooth, our dentist paints the plastic resin material onto the tooth and waits approximately 60 seconds for it to harden. Applying sealants is fast and painless since our dentist does not connect with any nerves in the patient’s mouth. Sealants last up to 10 years and can reduce cavities by as much as 70 percent.
Parents who feel concerned about their child’s risk of tooth decay in the back chewing teeth should schedule a dental cleaning and exam in Grand Junction, CO as soon as possible. Request your appointment today at Western Slope Dental Center.
