Are There Any Disadvantages of Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants seal the infected place of broader parts of teeth, but is there any disadvantage of this treatment? Find out.
Your oral cavity must be taken care of to avoid dental problems such as cavities or carries. Molars and premolars are an essential part of your teeth, and they are mainly used for chewing. Without them, you cannot eat well, therefore making the digestion process difficult. Molars are located at the back of your teeth; cleaning them will be a bit tough; flossing nonetheless is next to impossible. This can lead to the accumulation of plague, forming tartar that can cause tooth decay.
By adhering to regular checkups, your dentist will be able to inspect your child’s oral cavity and be able to diagnose the presence of tooth decay. If their teeth are decaying, they can be treated with sealants. Cavities can also be a side effect of sweets on your child’s tooth. Dental sealants are also placed in children’s or teens’ teeth to prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants seal the grooves or holes in your teeth, preventing the bacteria from reaching the pulp cavity.
Due to its benefits to many people, the dentist always recommends this against irritants and bacteria. However, it has its cons, making it necessary to weigh its capability to protect your teeth against dental issues.
If your dentist advises you that your child needs dental sealants, you might wonder if they are necessary or how to choose sealants for them. To help you decide whether sealants are the best for your child, we have detailed the pros and cons of sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants serve as a protective shield to your child’s teeth. They are made of plastic resin and are meant to prevent tooth decay. They are mainly placed at the back of their teeth, on molars, to seal the infectious molar teeth. Once it has hardened, it protects your child’s tooth from decay and lessens your child’s risk of experiencing dental problems.
With Dr. John Patanga’s help and advice, you will be able to identify the correct type of sealant for your child. They are several types of dental sealants, and they include amalgam, composite resin, gold sealants, and glass ionomers, each of them has its pros and cons.
Advantages of Getting Dental Sealants
Our Pediatric dentist in Greenwood, SC at 29649, USA, will discuss the pros and cons of dental sealants before your child gets one. Dental sealants come with the following benefits:
- It is an easy and painless dental procedure that prevents other dental problems
- The dental procedures are completed within a short period
- It is very effective in reducing the risk of young people getting cavities
- Dental sealants are durable and help reduce the risk of having dental issues for up to ten years.
- The material used in making the sealants has no side effects that can affect the patient. The application process is also safe and without any side effects
- Dental sealants help your child if they are not regularly flossing or brushing or are not able to practice good oral hygiene.
Disadvantages of Dental Sealants
Every dental procedure has drawbacks that need to be considered. While sealants are safe and effective in preventing your child from decay or cavities, it has the following disadvantages
- Dental sealants are only used for preventative treatment. If your child already has the cavity or decay, the sealant will not take care of it.
- Not all children are candidates for sealants. Application of sealants requires a child to sit still; children who are anxious and cannot sit still during the dental visit are not good candidates.
- Dental sealants are also ineffective when the decays or tooth cavities are very deep. In this case, one may require a more effective treatment such as a root canal.