Could you remember the first film you watched? Mine was the Lion King (Oh, I must get my ID from the floor!) and what a delight was watch their stunning show at the Lyceum Theatre few years back. I do also remember when I had my set of fissure sealants done. My parents knew nothing about prevention in those years! but my dentist was smart enough to caught me in the chair for few minutes and get it done. Wherever Dr Rabat is now, I’m so grateful of her. I genuinely believe my little ones in surgery will feel the same😍
Nowadays, there is soo much information on the internet to make us aware that even before that first baby tooth erupts, they are being affected by their health and nutrition, plus baby teeth serve an important role as they hold the proper position and spacing for the adult teeth that will begin to take up position.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your children’s teeth from tooth decay. It is a thin plastic coating painted along the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that stops food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth. Most tooth decay in children occurs in the back teeth.
BENEFITS? It is a simple and painless procedure which involves no drilling or injections – Along with good maintenance of the mouth they can reduce the risk of needing a filling in the future by over 80%, which is kinder on your mouth and much more cost effective in the long term.
Which teeth should be sealed?
Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces.
How are fissure sealants applied?
It is quick and straight forward taking only a few minutes per tooth. We are going to clean the tooth with the equivalent of an electric “brush”, then prepare the tooth with a special solution. The tooth is dried with air, the liquid is then applied in deep pits and fissures and set hard using a special light. It is pain free!
What is the best time to apply sealants?
Sealants are often applied as soon as the first baby molars come through, this is usually from 3 years of age. Then, the four first permanent molars between 6 and 7 years old – the rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear, which can be any time between 11 and 14.
Do children still have to clean their teeth?
Yes😎. Sealants are only one part of a child’s preventative dental care. What about sugary food and drinks? These should be kept locked in the cupboard and get a stroll only as treats or for special occasions, once or twice a week max.
What do fissure sealants look like?
Costs
On a private basis – a fissure sealant usually costs £30-50 per tooth, and provides a huge amount of benefit and prevention for your child’s teeth. Compare this to paying £150 to have a tooth drilled and filled, and you’ll understand why it’s a smart choice for most parents😊
How long it will last?
The fissure sealants usually last 5 years, similar lifetime to a filling. They can wear over time and we may add or replace some sealant. Important! sticky toffees and chewing gum will pull sealants out so watch what your child eats after the sealants are in place. Sealants should be checked every 6 months when your child comes in for a check up.
A sealed tooth has half the risk of decay than an unsealed tooth 😎
Detecting any early damage will allow us to clean the groove and seal it up before there’s a cavity. This is why we recommend fissure sealants. Prevention is better than cure.
Where can I find out more about the treatment?
Please call the team at Acton Dental Dental Practice on +44 20 8226 2151 or email us on contact@actontowndentalpractice.co.uk to book your examination appointment.
wellness-vida.com 