Monthly Archives: January 2013

Pediatric Dentistry

Why dental sealants?

My dentist suggests I have dental sealants put on my daughter’s molars. She’s only 7. Do you know why he wants to do this?

Kasie Ann- Baton Rough, LA

Kasie Ann,

Often dentist’s recommend sealants once the child’s molars or pre-molars are erupted. It is important your daughter keep those teeth because her adult molars won’t come in for many years and that space has to be maintained.

It is probable that your daughter has deep pits or grooves in those teeth that a tooth brush will not be able to get to, which will lead to tooth decay.

The sealants are a plastic material that is painted on the chewing surfaces on the teeth and then bonded on. This helps to keep bacteria from penetrating the grooves of the teeth and therefore preventing decay.

You may be interested in reading about dental tips for parents.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

BPA and sealants

My dentist is recommending getting my youngest daughter’s molars sealed. I’ve heard they contain BPA which has been recently thought to accelerate the onset of puberty. Is that accurate?

A concerned mom

There has been recent public concern over Bisphenol A (BPA) causing accelerated puberty and even potential increase in cancer risk. There are studies currently being conducted. BPA is also used in plastics such as water bottles. While the studies are being conducted, most plastic manufacturers are changing what their products are made from in order to keep the public feeling secure.

Dental sealants are made from plastic, but rarely contain BPA alone. Generally they  contain either Bis GMA or Bis DMA monomers. The Bis GMA seems to be more stable,without breaking down. I’d call your dentist’s office to see which his sealants contain.

There is a lot of benefit in using dental sealants on children. Their molar grooves can be pretty deep, making it difficult to get them clean. The sealants cover those grooves to keep them from getting decay.

I hope this helps. You may also be interested in reading about these dental tips for parents.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Root Canal Treatment

Retreatment of Root Canal

I have had two retreatments for a root canal. It has started bothering me again. My dentist sent me to an endodontist who said the best treatment option is for me to have the tooth extracted and have a replacement tooth put in. I’d really like to just have it retreated. What do you think I should do?

Brandon S.- Bigelow, AR

Brandon,

The rate of successful root canal re-treatment goes down significantly with each proceeding root canal treatment. The money you would spend on another unsuccessful retreat would be much better spent in having your tooth extracted and then replaced. You can replace it either with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.