As parents, you have a strong instinct to protect your children. As dental professionals, Dr. Cofer and his team want to protect their teeth from decay. In doing so, we can better ensure their dental and oral health. For this reason, we offer special treatments beyond the cleaning and exam that happens at six-month dental checkups. The children’s dentist in Waco, TX uses dental sealants to help your children have healthy and strong smiles for years to come.
A Description of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are hard coatings that cover your children’s molars. Because these teeth are deeply grooved and pitted—and because they are the most difficult for your children to clean well—dental sealants do the most good here. Sealants start out as a clear liquid that dries to create a protective shield against the bacteria, acids and other toxins that can lead to cavities.
Applying Dental Sealants to Children’s Teeth
At the family dentist in Waco, TX, we try to add an element of fun to your children’s visits. And with dental implants that’s easy, because they are “painted” on to your children’s teeth. Typically, sealants are applied at the end of a checkup when you children’s teeth are well cleaned. Then, the teeth are dried and a gel to help the sealants adhere to the molars is applied. This stays on for just a few seconds and is then rinsed away and the teeth are dried again to ensure that no saliva interferes with the sealant bond. Lastly, sealant liquid is painted on and dried with a curing light. Sealants usually last between five to 10 years, and your dentist in Waco, TX, will make sure they are intact at each checkup.
The Advantages of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer a number of advantages for your children’s oral health. First they block bacteria and acid from coming in contact with chewing and biting surfaces of molars, which have tight areas where these oral troublemakers love to hide. Left in place for too long, bacteria and acid can begin to erode tooth enamel and a cavity can develop.
Sealants also tend to smooth the surfaces of these teeth, so bits of food are less likely to become trapped here.
Call Our Office Today
Contact Premier Family Dental to learn more about dental sealants from the dentist in Waco, TX, that more families trust for complete oral health care.