Brushing and flossing is by far the best way to prevent tooth decays. But a newly erupted tooth has a ton of nook and fissures making it difficult to clean, bacteria and food leftovers love to accumulate in those crannies. Dental Sealant is another tool we have in fighting surface cavities.
Dental sealant is a thin protective, plastic coating that makes the chewing surfaces of the molars smooth and shiny. Sealant prevents cavities from forming on top of the teeth, it also stops early stages of cavities from getting any bigger. Smooth and shiny surfaces are also easier to clean.
According to the American Dental Association, sealants reduce the risk of decay by 80%. Centers for Disease Control also reports that “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”
How do sealants work?
Who can get sealants
Usually kids age 6-12 with newly erupted molars can benefit the most from dental sealants. But there’s no age limit on who can get sealants.
Does it hurt?
No. applying sealants are quick and painless. The tooth will be cleaned thoroughly and prepared with a gel. After a few seconds, the gel will be washed off and the tooth will be dried before sealant’s applied. a special blue light will be used to harden the sealants. Dental sealants are safe with no known side effects.
Will my insurance cover it?
Most insurances do for children under 14 years of age. Sealants last for several years, we will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them as needed.