Why choose sealants?
For many patients, decay can be caused by small pieces of food and bacteria building up in grooves and pits in the teeth. For children especially, this decay affects the hard to reach areas, like molars. Improper brushing often contributes to this type of decay. Dental sealants are ideal in instances like this by providing protection for the premolar and molar surfaces from decay. Dental sealants are made of a very thin plastic compound which coats the chewing surface of the teeth. The American Dental Association has recognized dental sealants as a key way to prevent cavities.
The procedure
To start, we will examine your mouth and locate and fill any areas of decay. Your dentist will then use an etching and cleaning solution to prepare your teeth. The solution is rinsed off after just 15 seconds, the surface of the teeth are dried, your teeth are then coated with the sealant and left to harden with the help of a curing light. The entire treatment process is very easy, comfortable and fast, taking only 10 to 45 minutes from start to finish, depending on how many teeth require sealing.
Long lasting results
By creating a tough barrier for small pieces of food and bacteria, dental sealants are one of the best treatments available to help prevent decay of the surface of teeth and the resulting cavities. Dental sealants are not just a short term solution, they can last up to 10 years! The majority of insurance companies will only cover sealant treatment at a minimal level. However, insurance companies do seem to be starting to recognize dental sealants value as a preventive procedure that can help actually reduce future aggressive treatments and costs. Contact us today for more information on dental sealants for you and your children.
