PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS
What are sealants?
Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Which teeth should be sealed?
Sealants are only applied to the back teeth - the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have ‘pits (small hollows) and ‘fissures (grooves) on their biting surfaces. Your dental team will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally have deep grooves which will need to be sealed; others have shallow ones which will not need sealing.
What is involved?
The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard - usually by shining a bright light onto it.
Will I feel it?
No, it is totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.
How long do pit and fissure sealants last?
Sealants usually last for many years, but your dental team will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dental team need to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath it.
How do pit and fissure sealants work?
The sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier by covering all the little grooves and dips in the surface of the tooth. Dental decay easily starts in these grooves if they are not sealed.
When should this be done?
Sealants are often applied as soon as the first permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.
Do I still have to clean my teeth?
Yes. It is still very important to do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean and healthy with normal brushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, will help to protect your teeth. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the number of fillings you might need.
Who do I ask about the treatment?
If you would like to know more about the treatment, ask your dental team. They will tell you if fissure sealing will help your teeth, and if it is the right time to do it.
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Healthy gums and teeth are important to your childs overall health. This is why your childs doctor will talk with you about good dental habits even before your childs first tooth appears.
Once your child has a tooth, your doctor may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments in the pediatricians office to help prevent tooth decay. This can be done 2 to 4 times per year. The number of treatments depends on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity.
Pediatricians are trained to apply fluoride varnish because many young children do not see or have access to a dentist until they are older. If your child is seeing a dentist at a young age, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, fluoride varnish may be applied in a dental office instead. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about fluoride varnish.
What is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth).
Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?
Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens. Then it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.
Some brands of fluoride varnish make teeth look yellow. Other brands make teeth look dull. However, the color of your childs teeth will return to normal after the fluoride varnish is brushed off. Most children like the taste.
How is Fluoride Varnish Put on the Teeth?
Fluoride varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. It is sticky but hardens once it comes in contact with saliva. Your child may feel the hardened varnish with his tongue but will not be able to lick the varnish off.
It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. However, young children may still cry before or during the procedure. Fortunately, brushing on the varnish takes only a few minutes. Also, applying the varnish may be easier when a child is crying because his mouth will be slightly open.
You may be asked to hold your child in your lap while you are placed knee-to- knee with the person applying the varnish.
How Do I Care for My Childs Teeth After Fluoride Varnish is Applied?
Here are general guidelines on how to care for your childs teeth after fluoride varnish is applied. Check with your childs doctor for any other special instructions.
- Your child can eat and drink right after the fluoride varnish is applied. But only give your child soft foods and cold or warm (not hot) foods or liquids.
- Do not brush or floss teeth for at least 4 to 6 hours. Your child's doctor may tell you to wait until the next morning to brush or floss. Remind your child to spit when rinsing, if he knows how to spit.
GENERAL DENTISTRY FOR KIDS
Our pediatric dentists are specialists, meaning that they have completed the necessary training to properly treat children of all ages. Our focus is on the variety of dental problems that can occur when a child’s mouth is still developing. We also provide care to children with special needs, creating personalized care plans that ensure the comfort of the child and his or her parents. We utilize a team approach, working closely with parents, pediatricians, and general dentists to develop comprehensive care plans. To learn more about our kid’s dentists and services, please give our office a call.
Chilren's Dental Services
Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly is an important part of your child’s overall health. At our office, we provide a host of children’s dental services that address issues that can occur during all stages of childhood. Please give us a call if your child requires any of the following dental services.
New Patient Information
If you’d like to learn more about our services or wish to schedule an appointment, please give us a call or request an appointment online. One of our friendly staff members will contact you to discuss your child’s treatment options and provide information about the cost of pediatric dental visit. Please have your insurance information available, if applicable. We look forward to seeing your child’s beautiful smile!