The sealing of the molars prevents cavities in children
The sealants or the sealing of the molars is a frequent technique for the prevention of caries in children of 6 years, because it is usually at this time when the first definitive molars erupt (6 year old molars) and it is in these teeth that This procedure is usually performed, which consists of protecting the enamel from possible cavities, sealing the fissures.
How is the sealing of molars done in children
The sealing of the molars consists in placing a fluid resin (which is a material similar to the one used to make the fillings) on the chewing surface of the teeth.
Sealing is usually done on definitive teeth that have a very irregular surface with very marked grooves and which, therefore, are teeth difficult to brush for children. When talking about teeth, we refer to incisors, canines, molars and premolars. The sealing of molars is also done in children who have a tendency to develop caries from an early age.
Benefits of sealing molars for children
Performing the sealing of the molars has many benefits to prevent the development of decay in permanent teeth. When the first definitive molars erupt, around the age of six, children still do not usually have very efficient hygiene and brushing techniques, for that reason and to prevent food and bacterial plaque from remaining on the chewing surface of the teeth. (or any other marked groove that present the final teeth), these resins are placed to facilitate brushing.
When should a seal be made of the molars to children
The pediatric dentist will decide whether or not to place the sealant at the six year visit or when the first definitive molars have finished their eruption (the eruption of the permanent teeth does not have a fixed schedule, it depends on each child). Occasionally, sealants are also placed in the permanent second molars or permanent incisors, if these teeth have a marked groove difficult to access with the brush or if the child has a high tendency to develop caries.
The control of the sealing of the molars
It is very important to make follow-up visits after placement of the sealant to avoid interference in chewing, since the sealants are very thin layers of resin and can fracture relatively easily. The frequency of the control visits will be determined by the pediatric dentist according to the tendency to develop caries and the level of oral hygiene maintained by the patient.
If a sealant becomes fractured, food residues may leak out which could develop a cavity beneath the sealant. If, in any of the revisions, the pediatric dentist detects that the sealant has fractured, it would be necessary to lift the sealant and change it. This is the main reason why sealant revision visits are so important.
Sara Hawkins Solís. Lda. Dentistry UCM. Master in Orthodontics UCM. Prof. Collaborator Master of Orthodontics UCM
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