We offer dental sealants in Corona, CA, because they do work. Dental sealants, when applied by an experienced dentist, can significantly reduce cavities and tooth decay risks in kids.
Our board-certified pediatric dentist in Corona, CA, may recommend a dental sealant if your child often presents with tooth decay or is prone to cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Deeply grooved teeth like molars and premolars (baby teeth) are prone to tooth decay because the grooves make brushing a challenge. There are small places where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can collect, which eventually means tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a protective barrier between cavity-causing ingredients and your child's tooth enamel. With this treatment, you can rest easier, knowing that your child has a strong defense against dental decay.
Not every dentist offers dental sealants, but we have found them effective for little smiles!
How Is a Dental Sealant Applied?
Dental sealants are noninvasive. Your child will not need anesthesia or numbing agents during application.
Step #1: Professional Teeth Cleaning
We start your child with thorough teeth cleaning to ensure there is no tartar or bacteria on the teeth. Teeth cleaning is also noninvasive. Our hygienist uses special tools to gently clear debris from teeth. We do not want to trap tartar beneath the dental seal!
Step #2: Etching the Enamel
After professionally cleaning your child's teeth, we place an etching liquid on the tooth or teeth we'd like to treat. Making the tooth surface feel rough or tacky, we help the dental sealant better adhere to the enamel.
Step #3: Applying and Setting the Dental Sealant
After preparing the teeth to be treated, your child's dentist applies the sealant. It is carefully painted over the roughened teeth. Then we use a special dental light to cure or set the sealant. This step renders the sealant hard and protective against plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last for years; your dentist can retouch them as needed. During your child's preventive dental exams, we always check the integrity of their dental sealant to ensure it is still intact.
Because dental sealants have excellent longevity, they are also an excellent defense against tooth decay long term.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay results from plaque buildup, and plaque is formed when debris from foods and beverages is not cleared from the teeth. Plaque brings acids, which can erode tooth enamel, eventually leading to holes called cavities or tooth decay.
In severe cases, the cavity can deepen, creating an abscess and the need for root canal therapy and dental crowns.
And remember, small cavities are not always obvious when your child smiles; they can be between teeth or at the back of the mouth. So, dental checkups are essential to prevent small cavities from deepening, which can mean tooth loss through crumbling or extraction.
Dental sealants prevent plaque buildup by creating a barrier between what your child eats and their dental enamel.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry means twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings (when your child is old enough for cleanings) in our dental office.
Exams allow your dentist to assess your child's teeth and gums for oral health issues. The appointment may include any of the following:
- Visual dental exam
- Comparison of oral changes since the last visit
- Orthodontic evaluations
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Professional teeth cleanings
Your child's preventive checkup and teeth cleaning are crucial to long-term oral health. Cleanings rid their teeth of plaque and tartar to prevent complications like cavities. Even if your child has a dental sealant, it is essential to continue regular dental care.
How Can I Help?
We can provide tips and demonstrations to ensure thorough and practical oral health sessions if you're assisting a young child with brushing.
When your child is ready to transition to independent brushing and flossing, we can also guide them and demonstrate best practices.
Additionally, we can provide nutrition counseling to ensure a tooth-healthy diet!
Be sure your child is brushing daily, at least twice! And never skip dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
Contact Your Pediatric Dentist in Corona, CA
We love treating children in our dental office, and they love coming to see our team.
If you want to establish dental care for your little one or teen in the area, call us today to get started. And don't forget to ask about our new patient special.
Additionally, if you have any questions about dental sealants or our other services, a friendly staff member is standing by to chat with you today.