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Exploring Pediatric Pit and Fissure Sealant Options in Innerjiang City, Sichuan
Pit and fissure sealants are extremely important for children's dental health. The main reasons for this are as follows:
1. Preventing Tooth Decay: Both primary and permanent teeth in children have deep grooves and fissures that serve as prime locations for food remnants, bacteria, and other breeding grounds that can easily lead to tooth decay. Sealing these grooves can effectively prevent tooth decay.
2. Protecting Children's Teeth: When children's teeth are not fully developed, pit and fissure sealing can help maintain their healthy and intact state, avoiding the need for extensive repairs or painful treatments such as tooth extraction in the future.
3. Simplicity and Convenience: Pit and fissure sealing is a simple procedure that does not involve cutting and does not cause significant pain to children. The treatment's effectiveness can last for several years.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Pit and fissure sealants are relatively affordable, making them suitable for families of various economic backgrounds.
5. Ensuring Normal Development: If children's tooth decay is not treated in a timely manner, it may adversely affect the normal development of their teeth and chewing function, and even impact their overall quality of life. Pit and fissure sealing can effectively prevent such situations.
Therefore, for growing children, timely sealing of pits and fissures can effectively prevent tooth decay and protect their dental and oral health.
Can both primary and permanent teeth receive pit and fissure sealants? At what age can children undergo this procedure?
Both primary and permanent teeth can receive pit and fissure sealants as long as the grooves are deep and there is a possibility of tooth decay. If the child can cooperate with the dentist between the ages of 3-4 and has deep grooves, we recommend sealing the grooves of primary teeth. Permanent molars begin erupting at the age of 6, and when they are fully erupted, the grooves can be sealed. Generally, the appropriate age group for sealing grooves on permanent molars is 7-9 years, with an initial examination at the age of 6. The second permanent molars usually erupt around the age of 12, and the suitable age group for sealing grooves is 12-14. Parents should regularly take their children for oral check-ups. Some children may have early eruption of teeth, and as long as they are fully erupted, they are eligible for pit and fissure sealing.
Can teeth with cavities or fillings receive pit and fissure sealants?
Pit and fissure sealing is a preventive measure against tooth decay. In principle, sealants are applied to intact tooth surfaces, and teeth with cavities or fillings are generally not sealed. The dentist needs to examine and assess if there are still deep grooves after fillings to determine if sealing is possible. If a tooth has several surfaces, and there is decay on the occlusal surface but deep grooves on the proximal surface, then the proximal groove can also be sealed.
In conclusion, pit and fissure sealants play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay in children. The procedure can be performed on both primary and permanent teeth as long as deep grooves are present. However, teeth with cavities or fillings may require further evaluation before sealing. Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain children's oral health and address any dental issues promptly.