Discover the powerful protection of dental sealants for kids. These highly effective coatings shield your child’s teeth from cavities and decay-causing bacteria. By investing in dental sealants, you’re taking a proactive step towards long-term oral well-being. Keep reading to learn more about this essential preventive measure and ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.
Why Your Kid Needs Dental Sealants?
As parents, we strive to provide the best possible care for our children, especially when it comes to their oral health. Dental sealants for kids are a crucial preventive measure recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and decay. So, why exactly does your kid need dental sealants? Let’s delve into the details.
Vulnerability of Molars
The back teeth, also known as molars, have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces. This makes them more susceptible to trapping food particles and bacteria. Moreover, brushing alone may not effectively clean these hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Dental sealants act as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and acids from settling in the pits and fissures of your child’s molars. By sealing off these vulnerable areas, sealants reduce the chances of tooth decay and cavities.
Early Intervention
Applying dental sealants to your child’s teeth at an early age can provide long-lasting protection during their most cavity-prone years. Remeber that the ADA recommends sealants as soon as the first permanent molars erupt. It is usually around the age of 6, and the second molars around age 12.
Safe and Painless Procedure
Getting dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive, and painless procedure. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the sealant material is applied as a thin layer that bonds to the tooth enamel. No drilling or injections are involved.
Long-term Benefits
Dental sealants can last for several years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. They offer an effective shield against decay, reducing the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments in the future.
Sealant for Teeth Procedure: 5 Main Steps at Spring Orchid Dental
At Spring Orchid Dental, we prioritize the oral health of our patients, including providing sealant treatments to protect teeth from decay. If you are considering sealants for your kid teeth, our procedure follows these five main steps:
Step 1: Cleaning the Teeth
To begin, our skilled dental professionals use a polishing brush and gritty toothpaste to thoroughly clean your child teeth. This process effectively removes bacteria and plaque, ensuring a clean surface for the sealant application.
Step 2: Dental Isolation and Drying
We understand the importance of maintaining a dry environment during the sealant procedure. To keep your teeth free from saliva, we use cotton rolls or a cheek shield to isolate the treatment area. This step ensures optimal bonding of the sealant.
Step 3: Tooth Preparation
The next step involves preparing the teeth for the sealant by applying an etching solution. This solution serves two purposes: disinfecting the teeth and creating a slightly roughened surface, promoting strong bonding between the sealant and the tooth structure.
Step 4: Rinsing and Drying
After the etching solution has been applied and accomplished its task, we thoroughly rinse off the solution and dry the teeth once again. This ensures a clean and dry surface for the sealant application.
Step 5: Sealant Application and Curing
Now comes the application of the dental sealant. Our skilled dental professionals carefully apply a bonding layer over the prepared teeth, followed by the liquid sealant. Once applied, a specialized LED light is used to initiate the curing process. This light activates the chemical reaction within the sealant, causing it to harden and bond securely to the tooth surface.
The sealant procedure at Spring Orchid Dental aims to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for our patients. Our meticulous approach ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the sealant in protecting your teeth against decay.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
On average, sealants have been found to last between 5 to 10 years. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary.
Factors such as oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and the natural wear and tear of daily use can affect the longevity of sealants.
Besides, to maximize the lifespan of your sealants, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and attending regular dental check-ups.
Additionally, avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, as these habits can potentially damage the sealants.
During your routine dental visits, our dental professionals will carefully examine your sealants to ensure they are intact and functioning effectively. If any sealant shows signs of wear or damage, it can be repaired or replaced as needed.
It is important to remember that dental sealants are not permanent and may require touch-ups or reapplication over time. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the condition of your sealants and take proactive measures to maintain their efficacy.
Suitable Kid Candidates for Dental Sealants
Newly Erupted Permanent Teeth
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children when their permanent molars and premolars start erupting. These back teeth often have deep grooves and fissures that are challenging to clean thoroughly, making them more susceptible to cavities. Applying sealants during this crucial time can effectively protect these vulnerable teeth.
High Cavity Risk
Some children may have a higher risk of developing cavities due to factors such as poor oral hygiene habits, a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, or a history of tooth decay. Dental sealants can provide an extra layer of defense, reducing the risk of cavity formation and preserving the integrity of their teeth.
Difficulty Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene
Children with limited manual dexterity or those who struggle with thorough brushing and flossing may benefit greatly from dental sealants. Sealants act as a physical barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and pits on their teeth’s chewing surfaces and preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating.
Preventive Approach for Long-term Oral Health
By applying dental sealants to their teeth, we can proactively protect children’s oral health and promote a cavity-free future. Sealants serve as a preventive measure, reducing the need for more extensive dental treatments and potential oral health complications later in life.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost of Dental Sealants
The cost of dental sealants can vary depending on factors such as the number of teeth being sealed, the dental practice, and the location. On average, the cost per tooth for sealant application in Perth ranges from $40 to $100 AUD.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans in Australia recognize the importance of preventive care, including dental sealants for children. While coverage varies among insurance providers and plans, dental sealants are often partially or fully covered for eligible children. It’s important to review your dental insurance policy to determine the extent of coverage for dental sealants. Some insurance plans may cover sealants as part of routine preventive care, while others may require specific criteria or age restrictions.
Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance for certain dental services for eligible children aged 2 to 17 years. While dental sealants are not explicitly listed as a covered service under the CDBS, it’s recommended to consult with your dentist and insurance provider to explore possible coverage options.
Consultation and Payment Options
To obtain accurate cost estimates and determine your child’s eligibility for insurance coverage, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a dental professional. During the consultation, your dentist can evaluate your child’s dental needs, provide a personalized treatment plan, and discuss the associated costs and payment options.
At our dental practice, we are committed to providing transparent pricing information and helping families navigate insurance coverage for dental sealants. We strive to offer affordable preventive care to ensure your child’s oral health remains a top priority.
Remember, investing in dental sealants for your child can save you from potentially costly and invasive dental treatments in the future. By protecting their teeth at an early stage, you are promoting long-term oral well-being and minimizing the risk of dental issues.
If you have further questions about the cost and insurance coverage for kid dental sealants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our dental practice. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in accessing affordable preventive care and supporting your child’s dental health journey.
Pediatric Dental Sealants In Bassendean
Protect your child’s smile with dental sealants or check out our Children’s Dentistry service! Schedule an appointment at Spring Orchid Dental in Bassendean, Perth WA today.
Our experienced team is here to provide gentle and effective dental sealant treatments for kids, helping to prevent cavities and keep their teeth healthy.
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile by contacting us at 08 6155 8999 or booking an appointment online.
Invest in their dental health now for a lifetime of confident and cavity-free smiles!
FAQs
Is it good to put sealant on kids teeth?
Yes, it is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to put sealants on kids’ teeth. The ADA recognizes dental sealants as an effective preventive measure to reduce the risk of cavities in children. Sealants provide a protective barrier on the tooth surfaces, sealing out bacteria and preventing tooth decay.
How many times do kids get sealants?
The number of times children receive dental sealants can vary depending on their individual oral health needs, but typically, sealants are applied once, usually between the ages of 6 and 14, when the permanent molars and premolars have erupted fully and are at risk for cavities.
How many times kids brush teeth?
Kids should brush their teeth at least twice a day.
