Dr. Brie Pyszka of All Kids Dental points out that long-term studies show that, after 10 years, 90% of sealants are still present and have a 95% success rate in preventing cavities.

—ALL KIDS DENTAL—

Groovy teeth are not so ‘groovy’

Parents often ask me why their child has cavities even though they brush and floss like they’re supposed to and they know someone that rarely brushes and never gets cavities.

One of the answers has to do with “dental anatomy.” Some children are more prone to cavities on the biting surfaces simply due to the size and shape of the deep pits, fissures and grooves found on the biting surface of the back teeth. These pits, fissures and grooves can even be smaller and deeper than the tip of a toothbrush bristle and are actually genetically determined, just like hair color. 

In fact, according to the CDC, this is where 90% of cavities happen. Even more alarming is that over 80% of teenagers have had cavities!

The good news is that this type of cavity is largely preventable! Sealants have been used for almost 40 years in an attempt to prevent pit and fissure cavities.  With the advances in technology, dental sealants now represent the standard of care.  Long-term studies show that, after 10 years, 90% of sealants are still present and have a 95% success rate in preventing cavities. 

So, what are sealants? Sealants are a white plastic material that is bonded to the deep pits, grooves and fissures to cover and protect these cavity prone areas from harboring plaque bacteria and food. This prevents the cavity process from having a chance to start. Sealants are easy and painless to apply, requiring no local anesthetic or tooth preparation. We tell children it is similar to having nail polish placed on a fingernail.

We clean the tooth with a special soap, keep it very dry and then paint the sealant in the grooves. A special light bonds the sealant to the tooth, and we’re generally finished within 30 minutes.

Sealants, however, are not all created equal. There are three keys to success when having your child’s teeth sealed. The first consideration is the type of sealant material used.  The better materials have the best success rates and are free of bisphenol A, but are the most expensive for the dentist. All Kids Dental uses the latest generation of material called a flowable composite sealant. This represents the state-of-the-art in dental materials, is stronger and has proven to be more wear resistant than traditional sealants. 

Most people are not aware that sealant success rates are directly related to the skill of the individual placing the sealant. Although the state of Colorado allows dental assistants and hygienists to place sealants, studies have shown a dramatic difference in sealant failure when compared to sealants placed by the dentist.

Research also shows that sealants are not 100% effective. Occasionally, a sealant margin may fail, usually due to ice cube chewing. If not repaired, it actually increases the cavity risk over time.

At All Kids Dental, we feel it is important to monitor our sealants at routine checkups. As part of the “All Kids Dental Difference,” should a sealant fail, we will reseal the tooth at the same visit at no charge.

We want our patients to grow into cavity-free adults who enjoy going to the dentist! 

If you’re interested in having your child or teenager evaluated for sealants, call All Kids Dental at 303-670-KIDS (5437), or visit  www.AllKidsJungle.com.