Kids’ Dental Sealants in Ashburn, VA
When your child visits Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we will have a discussion about the importance of sealants in pediatric dental care.
Sealants are one of the best strategies we have for preventing cavities from forming in a child’s teeth. By painting on a thin coating of protective sealant onto the surfaces of the tooth, we are able to protect that tooth from cavities and tooth decay for years to come.
Parents in the Ashburn area may have some questions about dental sealant, and we are here to answer those questions!
How Do Kids’ Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants are made from a resin material that matches the color of your child’s teeth. It is virtually invisible and is generally only detectable by dentists and hygienists who know what they are looking for.
This plastic-like material is brushed directly onto the teeth. This “seals” them, protecting them from having contact with bacteria and plaque.
The crevices of the teeth and the spaces between teeth are protected from bacteria that is hard for children to reach when brushing and flossing.
Dental sealants last for several years, and your child’s dentist will examine them at every check-up to make sure they are still in good condition. Sometimes the sealant will need to be repaired, which we will do right in the office, during your regular cleaning.
Which Teeth Are Treated with Dental Sealants?
Although any tooth can be coated with a sealant, the standard practice of children’s dentistry is to seal the back teeth. Molars do the majority of the work when it comes to chewing food, and they are often the hiding place for bacteria and germs.
Because of this, we apply sealant to the molars and the premolars.
Are Sealants for Teeth Safe?
We are always happy to answer your questions about the safety and effectiveness of each of our procedures.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends sealants as a safe and effective strategy for preventing cavities.
According to the ADA, sealants are more effective than fluoride varnish on its own.
Importantly, dental sealants are BPA-free. However, when saliva interacts with the sealant, it is possible for the interaction to form BPA. The ADA clarifies that this only has the potential to create a very low level of BPA, and there is no evidence of any health concerns related to this low level of exposure.
After a few hours, there is no risk of creating additional BPA.
What to Expect from Your Appointment at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry
For nearly 20 years, we have been providing compassionate preventive and comprehensive dental care to the families of Ashburn, Virginia.
We have been honored with numerous awards from our community for our services. It is part of our mission to make dental care stress-free and enjoyable for children and their families. That means that we are always ready to answer your questions, and that includes questions you have before, during, and after your child’s appointment.
Treating Sealants During Routine Appointments
Sealants don’t need to be applied at every appointment. The first time we apply sealants depends on when your child’s permanent molars grow in. First molars typically grow in around the age of 6, and second molars grow in by the time most children are 12.
After that, we will check your child’s sealants at each follow-up appointment and let you know if we need to do any repairs or re-applications.
Applying sealants is painless, but it does have an unpleasant taste. This goes away after a few mouth rinses.
How to Care for Your Sealants After the Appointment
It is important to protect dental sealants after they have been placed.
With good dental habits, they should last up to 5 years without any issues. However, some behaviors can damage the sealants and create the need for additional repairs.
Parents should help their children avoid the following sealant-damaging behaviors:
- Excessive gum chewing
- Chewing ice and hard candies
- Eating sticky snacks and candies
- Clenching and grinding teeth
Each time the sealants need to be re-applied, there will be a charge that may not be covered by your insurance.
Compassionate Children’s Dentistry in Ashburn, Virginia
Our staff at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry are proud to offer dental services for children in Ashburn. It is our responsibility to make sure that your child feels safe and comfortable from the moment they walk in the door of our office!
Dr. Lynda and Dr. Krystal know that children who receive comprehensive and preventative dental care are happier and healthier.
Kids dental sealants are an important part of your child’s dental health.
If you have questions about how we apply or maintain sealants, we’re happy to answer your questions! Contact our offices to schedule an appointment or ask questions about what to expect at your child’s first visit to Ashburn Children’s Dentistry.