Children’s Dentistry
Children’s Dentistry
At Belvedere Dental Care we welcome the opportunity to introduce your child to a life time of positive dental experiences. We would normally suggest that you bring your child to the dentist for the first time at around the age of 2 so that from an early age they can get used to the environment. We will encourage your child to learn good oral hygiene and the importance of healthy eating.
We frequently hear from patients that they have had a bad dental experience as a child which has consequently made them nervous of visiting. We therefore try to make it a fun and positive experience where your child can play and chat to the dentist and of course get a sticker for their visit!
Children Dentistry
At Belvedere Dental Care we welcome the opportunity to introduce your child to a life time of positive dental experiences. We would normally suggest that you bring your child to the dentist for the first time at around the age of 2 so that from an early age they can get used to the environment. We will encourage your child to learn good oral hygiene and the importance of healthy eating.
We frequently hear from patients that they have had a bad dental experience as a child which has consequently made them nervous of visiting. We therefore try to make it a fun and positive experience where your child can play and chat to the dentist and of course get a sticker for their visit!
We spend a great deal of time discussing preventative measures with you and your child. Brushing technique, use of fluoride toothpastes, dietary analysis specifically frequency of food/drink consumption and the need for topical applications of fluoride to at risk teeth and/or fissure sealants are all discussed in detail.
Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are tooth-coloured sealants which are applied to the biting surface of children’s teeth to strengthen them and prevent decay. They are usually placed on the chewing (occlusal) surface of the permanent back teeth — the molars and premolars — to help protect them from decay.
Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?
The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves — “fissures” — that make them vulnerable to decay. These fissures can be deep, are difficult to clean, and can be narrower than even a single bristle of a toothbrush. Plaque accumulates in these areas, and the acid from bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can develop. Fluoride helps prevent decay and helps protect all the surfaces of the teeth, dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved and pitted areas by providing a smooth surface covering over the fissured area.
When are dental sealants placed?
The first dental sealant to be placed is usually on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum. This tooth grows in behind the baby teeth. If the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of these teeth are sealed, the dental sealant will help protect the tooth. Except for thewisdom teeth, which come through much later, the molars and premolars continue to erupt until eleven-thirteen years of age and the chewing surfaces of these teeth can be sealed after they have erupted beyond the gum.
Can dental sealants be placed on the teeth of adults?
Yes — while less common, dental sealants are sometimes placed in adults at risk for caries, on deep grooves and fissures that do not already have fillings or dental sealants.
What do dental sealants look like?
Dental sealants can be clear, white or have a slight tint depending upon the dental sealant used.
How are dental sealants placed?
Firstly the tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned with a paste and rotating brush by your dentist. Next the tooth is washed with water and dried. Then a solution that is acidic is placed on the fissured area of the tooth’s chewing surface for a number of seconds before being rinsed off. This creates small microscopic areas and a fine rougher surface than the surrounding tooth enamel, that can be seen with a microscope. The rough surface and microscopic areas enable the dental sealant to attach to the tooth. After the tooth is dried again, the liquid dental sealant is placed on the tooth and hardened. Dental sealants are hardened by using a light that hardens the dental sealant. Once the dental sealant has hardened it becomes a hard plastic varnish coating, and you can chew on the tooth again.
How long does a dental sealant last
Dental sealants have been used and have been proven to be effective since the 1970s. Many studies have shown that they are effective in helping to prevent decay on chewing (occlusal) surfaces. Dental sealants can last many years but must be examined regularly and added to or replaced if deficiencies occur.
Our team are committed to continual professional development and learning to ensure that our patients receive the best possible dental care.
Belvedere Court,
Belvedere Lawn,
Douglas Rd,
Douglas,
Cork, T12 WV9H
tel: (021) 429 5556
email: info@belvederedentalcare.ie