Local Dental Care - Virginia Order Of Teeth Eruption

Seal Out Tooth Decay in Your Children's Teeth

Sealants are a plastic barrier to protect the chewing surfaces of the eight permanent molars from decay. The six-year molars usually erupt (come in) between five and seven years of age and the twelve-year molars erupt around 11 to 14 years of age. More than 90% of decay occurs in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces of these molars. When teeth first erupt, the enamel is not completely calcified (hardened), and the teeth are very susceptible to decay. Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the molars are in far enough to see the entire chewing surface. If a primary (baby) molar has early decay on a chewing surface, and the child is cooperative, a sealant may be recommended. Once decay has penetrated the second layer of tooth structure, a restoration (filling) must be placed.

The application of a sealant is painless, but does require cooperation. A very high flow of saliva, a strong gag reflex, or an inability to open the mouth wide enough for access to the molars, will make the procedure difficult. Your pediatric dentist will use various methods to manage these circumstances. The most important requirement for a quality sealant is your child's cooperation.

In order to see how the sealant is performed, you and your child could ask if you may watch the procedure being performed on another child or your dentist may have a videotape or DVD that you may view. There are four six-year molars and four twelve-year molars. Because the teeth do not always come in at the same time, all four permanent molars may not be sealed during one visit.

First, the tooth must be isolated from saliva. Remember, the tooth must be dry for the sealant to bond tightly to the tooth surface. A gel will be applied for 15 seconds. After this is rinsed away with water, the sealant is applied (usually with a tiny brush). A bright light is used to harden the sealant. There is no heat or sensation from the light. The procedure takes only minutes for each tooth. Your child may eat right away.

Sealants do wear out. Retention rates are about 85% over three years. Grinding teeth and chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy can crack sealants. How well the child's enamel bonds with the sealant will often determine how long a sealant will last. If a sealant is lost, the tooth is still more protected from decay than if the tooth had never been sealed. Decay will probably not occur if the sealant is replaced during the next six-month dental check-up. If your child has had a problem with cavities and his or her oral hygiene is very poor, decay can still occur.

Sealants are one of the very best things dentistry has to offer. Seal out your child's decay!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Dental X-Rays For Your Child

Parents often question the need for dental X-rays (radiographs or films). Just as a broken bone or lung disease require a radiograph for a diagnosis, dental decay or other pathology (disease) of the oral cavity may require a radiograph for diagnosis. Tooth decay in children spreads rapidly in primary (baby) teeth.

Bitewing Radiograph(s)

These films, usually two, identify the presence of decay between the back (posterior) teeth. Decay between the teeth is called interproximal decay. By four and one-half years of age, the baby (primary) molars usually touch or contact each other. Interproximal decay can spread to the adjacent tooth if the teeth are in contact. If there are spaces between the primary molars, and there is no other evidence of decay, these films may not be necessary until later. A lack of spacing between the primary teeth predisposes a child to a much higher incidence of interproximal decay. Early detection permits your dentist to restore (repair) the tooth in less time and preserve tooth structure.

Periapical x-Ray

This film is used to examine the area around the tip of the root(s) or in between the roots. Primary teeth have long roots before they are resorbed (dissolved) by the pressure of the erupting permanent tooth. A root fracture after trauma, deep decay, infection, the need for root canal treatment, the presence of extra teeth, or absence of developing teeth are some of the findings with this film.

Occlusal Radiograph

This film evaluates the presence or absence of the upper and lower front teeth (incisors). It may also be used to diagnose fractures of teeth or bone and extra or missing teeth.

Panoramic x-Ray

Some pediatric dentists request this film around seven or eight years of age, when all eight permanent incisors have erupted. Although this not as accurate in diagnosing decay, it may provide an alternative if a child has a gag reflex that has prohibited taking a periapical or bitewing radiograph. The film is outside the mouth in a machine that revolves around the head. A view of the entire upper and lower jaw is obtained. This is commonly obtained by orthodontists prior to treatment. The panoramic radiograph may reveal or evaluate:

• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Tumors, cysts, or other disease
• Improper position of teeth
• Broken bones after trauma
• Development of the permanent teeth
• Future crowding
• Wisdom teeth

Cephalometric Radiograph

This film ordinarily is obtained by an orthodontist in order to make a diagnosis of a child's bite (occlusion) and to determine the best treatment plan. It measures the relationship of the bones of the head and jaws.

Now, you are "in the know" for your child's next dental X-rays!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.