Pediatric Dentistry

We love kids!

Dr. Virginia Hall focuses especially on children's dentistry - and on fun. "Children shouldn't be frightened of coming to see the dentist, so we try to make it a fun place to be," says Dr. Hall. There is a special play area "just for kids", with toys and kid-sized furniture.

In addition to taking care of our younger patients' teeth, Dr. Hall also works with both children and adults who need orthodontic treatment. "There is no real age limit for orthodontics," explains Dr. Hall. "Teeth and tissue are essentially the same in both adults and children, and orthodontics can successfully realign crooked teeth or a protruding overbite regardless of age." Properly aligned and supported teeth are healthier and easier to clean, and therefore more likely to last throughout a patient's lifetime.

Sealants

Sealants are a safe, painless, and low-cost way to help protect your child's back teeth from decay.

Longbranch Dental can help to prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying a sealant to your child's teeth. A sealant is a clear plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). This is where decay occurs most often. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Why should children have sealants?

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have tiny grooves that form as each tooth develops. This is where most decay occurs in children. That's because the bristles of a toothbrush can't get down into the grooves to remove the food and bacteria that get trapped there. Only the surfaces of the teeth are sealed, so your child still needs to floss between teeth.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Usually the molars and premolars are sealed. Flouride helps protect the smooth surfaces on the front teeth and on the sides of the back teeth. But only sealants can keep food and bacteria from getting into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

When should my child get sealants?

Sealants should be applied as soon as the first permanent molars (6-year molars) emerge, between 5 and 7 years of age. The second molars (12-year molars) and the premolars should be sealed as soon as they come in, between 11 and 14 years of age.

The greatest chance of decay occurs during a tooth's first year, so it's best to seal the molars and premolars as soon as they come in. However, it's never too late to apply sealants, as long as the teeth are free of decay and do not have fillings.

Should baby teeth be sealed?

Even though baby molars don't often need to be sealed, sealing the baby molars may be recommended if there is a high risk of decay. Since baby teeth are "space holders," losing baby molars from decay can cause crowding when the permanent teeth come in.

How long does sealing take?

All the back teeth can usually be sealed in one 30- to 60-minute office visit.

How are sealants applied?

First, the teeth are cleaned, dried, and etched or roughened slightly so the sealant will stick. Next the sealant is painted on with a small brush or applicator and hardened with a special light. Then each tooth is checked carefully to make sure the grooves are fully covered and that the sealant won't interfere with chewing. The sealant bonds to the tooth as it hardens, so your child can eat normally right away.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last for many years. If they chip or come off, they can easily be replaced. Any problems can be detected and corrected at your child's regular dental checkups. Your child can help the sealants last by not chewing on ice cubes or hard or sticky candy.

Will insurance cover sealants?

Many dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of sealants for children. Check with your insurance company for details.

         

Chewing surface before sealant is applied and after surface is protected with a sealant.

If you have questions about your child's dental care, call us today at 903-455-4161. We'll be happy to answer your questions, or to schedule a time for your child to come in to see Dr. Hall.