What are dental sealants?

alveolar consonant sealants are a thinly coat that is applied to the pits and fissures ( aka “ grooves ” ) of back tooth to help prevent penetration of bacteria, sugars, germs, and early cavity-causing substances. By painting on what looks like a thin layer of white smash polish, the chewing surfaces of teeth are easily protected against getting cavities. Sealants specifically protect the biting surfaces of the tooth, where cavities normally start. When a sealant is applied, it keeps bacteria and other food particles out of the grooves, importantly decreasing the risk of getting cavities .

Which teeth should get sealants?

Any tooth with deep grooves on the biting come on can benefit from sealant coverage. Most normally, permanent molars ( by and large the 6-year-molars and the 12-year-molars ) benefit the greatest from sealants. Often times the “ premolars, ” which are the permanent teeth that replace the baby molars, and sit between the permanent wave canines and permanent molars can besides benefit from sealants. Baby teeth typically wear ’ t have as deep of grooves as permanent wave tooth, thus sealant application international relations and security network ’ metric ton as common on these teeth, but there are exceptions .

How are sealants applied?

Getting sealants is easy ! There is no numbing medicine or drill required. The summons is relatively short and can often be done during your clean and checkup appointment. First, a mousse is placed over the grooves of the tooth to ensure it tooth is thoroughly cleaned. The tooth is then rinsed off and dried. An adhesive layer is painted onto the tooth, followed by the sealant, which resembles white pinpoint polish. Just enough is applied to cover the grooves of the dentition. Once the dentist has cautiously applied the sealant material, a blue LED light is used to harden the sealant. In total, it takes equitable about 60 seconds to complete the sealant application process. Sealants can be white or open, and broadly aren ’ triiodothyronine visible unless looking near up. Because they are painted on back teeth only, they are normally not visible when a patient talks to smiles.

Do sealants hurt?

No ! Getting a sealant is much, much easier than getting a filling. Because there is no boring, no anesthetic is required. The only requirement is that the patient keep their mouthpiece open for about one whole moment so the dentist can reach the back of the mouth where the molars are. If the tooth gets wet with saliva during the application work, the quality of the sealant adhesiveness is compromised and the sealant must be re-applied. Some children report a sourness after-taste, but this is easily rinsed away with water.

How long will sealants last?

If done correctly, sealants can survive improving to 10 years ! When the doctor of the church is painting on the sealant, it is critical that the tooth persist dry and complimentary of saliva to enhance the alliance to the tooth. For kids who have a heavily clock staying open, a medium gag automatic, or a curious tongue, sometimes sealant lotion can become more of a challenge. Your dentist will help determine when the justly fourth dimension for sealant application is for your child. For the most contribution, sealants will last for a number of years, but it is not uncommon for sealants to begin to chip off at the edges with regular wear and bust. At each checkup appointee, your child ’ sulfur dentist will evaluate the integrity of the sealant and crack to re-apply as needed.

Does insurance pay for sealants?

Because sealants are considered a “ preventive ” routine, insurance companies are more generous in paying for sealants. Some indemnity companies will pay for sealants once per class, once every 3 or 5 years, or sometimes precisely once in a life. Some policy companies besides put age limits on sealants. If you have any doubt, or are uncertain what your sealant coverage is, we can help you determine your sealant profit with your insurance company .

The facts

According to the american Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the most common set to get cavities is in the grooves ( aka pits and fissures ) of the back tooth. Research has shown that dental sealants can prevent 80 % of cavities occurring in back tooth. Sealants can besides have prevent small cavities from growing larger in size by sealing out sugars and bacteria .

Our take on sealants

Sealants are easy ! And the profit of getting a sealant far outweighs the burden of getting a fill. All in all, sealants can save you and your family time, money, and the stress of potential chilling dental appointments. They ’ re slowly and fast adequate to by and large be done at your checkup appointment, so no extra trips to our agency. Call us today to set up your future checkup and see if your child needs sealants !