Are dental sealants for children safe and effective against cavities?

Article written by Elite Dental Group

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect teeth from cavities. Many trusted bodies believe in their effectiveness, especially for children as they have been shown to reduce cavities. This painless procedure can cost between $30-$50 per tooth.

Most insurance plans now cover dental sealants as they reduce cavities for children over 2 years. Research shows that school-age children without sealants are three times at risk of developing cavities than those with sealants.

Cavities have been known to affect children in many ways as they reduce school time, interfere with sleep, meals, and other activities. Although most parents will assume that a cavity can be filled, once a tooth has been drilled, the integrity of the tooth is compromised, making the tooth weak and susceptible to decay.

Sealants, however, will need to be applied with care as they can make a tooth sensitive. Additionally, they will need to be monitored and reapplied if they fall out, chip, or wear away. When reapplying sealants, the excess will need to be drilled down and removed with a scaler, which can be uncomfortable for a child.

Sealants have no documented side effects and are well tolerated by children and adults. Although dental sealants do involve some chemicals, treating a decayed tooth can involve a lot more substances, which makes sealants a sensible, safe, and effective option for children.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in oral surgery in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services which include fillings, tooth extractions, and complex oral surgeries. If you are looking for wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale or dental implants in Glendale call for an appointment.