Often dental sealants are recommended, even for kids with baby teeth. Many parents feel like kids do not need sealants until their adult teeth come in. Some parents will ask why dental sealants, even for baby teeth is important. To better understand why sealant for both baby and adult teeth is so beneficial, Smile Reef would like to share more about dental sealant and why your children will benefit from having dental sealants applied.
What is a Dental Sealant Procedure?
A dental sealant is a thin coating that is painted on the molars. The sealant is white or a clear liquid resin that is applied to the molar using a small brush. The liquid sealant then bonds to the tooth as the sealant dries, often with an LED light. This thin layer will help protect the molars from tooth decay and cavities. The molars are the primary chewing teeth which is much more prone to cavities than the other teeth. The grooves of the molars make them even harder to clean out. Where the molars pose a bigger problem to clean and fight off tooth decay, having them sealed is highly recommended.
Is it Necessary to Seal Baby Teeth?
For those with kids, often the parents do not feel like baby teeth or molars need to be sealed since they will eventually lose their baby teeth anyway and where you will have your adult teeth for the rest of your life, they should be sealed at that time. However, kids do not lose their molars until about twelve and through the teen years. Kids are not as dedicated to their tooth care as they are growing up and dentists have seen major molar decay, even in younger children. To get your child through their younger years until they begin losing their baby molars, it is important the molars are properly cared for. Caring for molars include daily flossing, rinsing and brushing. However, this is often not enough to ensure your child prevents cavities. Therefore, a dental sealant should be applied.
Can Teeth with Sealants Get Cavities?
Dental sealants is not a major process and can be completed within minutes. While the sealant finishes curing, the child will need to avoid certain foods or hot drinks for a few hours after the sealant was applied. Additionally, dental sealant lasts for about ten years so your child can go longer periods of time between having dental sealants. As your child begins to develop their adult molars, eventually they too will need to be sealed. However, even though the teeth has been sealed, they can still develop cavities if the child isn’t caring for their teeth properly. Even with dental sealants the child should be brushing, flossing and rinsing their teeth twice a day to protect the teeth and strengthen the sealants.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dental sealants are important for both young children and even through the adult years. When scheduling your child’s dental appointment, make sure to ask about dental sealants. If your child hasn’t had their molars sealed, ask to have dental sealants applied to your children’s teeth. This simple process can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. For pediatric dental services, contact Smile Reef and schedule your child’s dentist appointment today.
Usually, a dental crown is needed when your child has an extensively decayed or injured baby tooth. Most parents are a little unclear about crowns for pediatric needs. Today, we at Smile Reef would like to elaborate on pediatric dental crowns.
Is it Worth Putting Crowns on Baby Teeth?
Most parents want their kids’ teeth to be free of decay and have healthy teeth. When they hear their baby, toddler, or young kid needs a dental crown, they wonder if it can be fine left alone or extracted since a permanent will soon come in. This idea is bas since damaged teeth requires protection. Baby teeth are important though they are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. Baby teeth helps you child eat comfortably, speak properly, and serve as placeholders for adult teeth. It could compromise other surrounding teeth and spread rapidly if a decayed tooth is not treated. This is due to the thin enamel of baby teeth. If the tooth is prematurely removed, neighboring teeth will want to fill the space and crowding can occur on the other hand. For your child, dental crowns are the most durable solution.
What are Pediatric Dental Crowns Made Of?
As they function the same as adult crowns, crowns intended for the repair and restoration of primary teeth differ slightly in terms of materials used. They consist of a tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a vulnerable tooth, thus restoring its strength. The type of crown chosen is sometimes affected by the location of your child’s decayed or injured tooth. A less aesthetic option, like stainless steel crowns, are preferable if the tooth is in the back of the mouth. You may want a white dental crown as it will look more natural if the tooth is front facing.
Stainless Steel Crowns. Stainless steel is one type of pediatric crown. For over 80 years and are regarded as a trusted option, stainless steel crowns have been used in pediatric dentistry. This is a metal shell that is easily placed and can be customized to fit any tooth. They are perfect for molars, their durability, strength, and resistance to moisture. The most affordable crown option available and very cost-effective. Generally, they only require one visit to our pediatric dentist as well.
White Crowns. White crowns contain no metal and closely resemble those made of porcelain unlike stainless steel crowns. As they are more aesthetically pleasing, this tooth-colored option is often recommended for damaged teeth in the front of the mouth. They can be pre-made to a desired size and are made of a material similar to ceramic. White crowns have more durable than natural enamel and ae stronger. They are resistant to plaque accumulation and decay. When introduced to biological tissue, they are not capable of producing an allergic response.
What Should I Expect During My Child’s Dental Crown Procedure?
Unlike their adult equivalents, most dental crowns for children can be placed in a single visit. Generally, the pediatric dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth and the tooth itself. If children are too anxious can also offer sedation at this stage. A dental dam will be placed after everything is properly numb. To also protect your child’s cheeks, tongue, and gums, dental dam small piece of latex. Next, the dentist will remove any decay present and shape the tooth for the crown using a special drill. The crown is placed and checked to make sure it fits properly.
Pediatric Dentistry
Consider sealants to prevent decay along with routine brushing, flossing, and rinse. For your child’s dental needs in the Vegas Valley, call the professionals of Smile Reef and let us keep your child’s healthy.
