Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80%
Elk Grove, CA 95758 Directions (916) 683-4333
Applying Dental Sealants
Sealants are one of the most accessible preventive dental procedures. Sealing your teeth is a painless procedure that may be completed during a dentist visit!
First, we will carefully clean and dry the teeth that will be sealed. To prevent moisture from gathering on the tooth, gauze and cotton are usually wrapped around them. The tooth must be clean and dry for the sealant material to attach correctly.
The chewing surface of the tooth is then treated with a weak acid. This roughens the surface layer of the tooth's enamel, creating an ideal surface for the sealant material to adhere to.
Before the sealant is applied, the tooth will be cleaned and dried.
Dental sealant material is a plastic-like substance that is brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This liquid-like solution will sink into the nooks and crannies of the chewing surface and begin bonding straight to the tooth's enamel layer. We will harden the sealant with a special blue curing light.
That's all! Your tooth is now protected from hazardous plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities by 80%.
Added Protection Against Tooth Decay
Decay generally happens in premolars and molars due to the build-up of bacteria within the crevices of the tooth's biting surface. Even with proper oral hygiene, bacteria within these deep crevices is extremely hard to brush out and can allow plaque and bacteria to form thus leading to a cavity, which then needs to be filled.
Dental sealants effectively create a protective layer over a tooth's biting surface by sealing off tooth crevices making it impossible for plaque and bacteria to form. Dental sealants also make brushing these teeth much more effective which also keeps the cavities away.
Dental sealants are for everyone so we invite you to request an appointment and come in to talk more with us about getting dental sealants.
How Long Do Tooth Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are durable and stand up well against normal biting and chewing forces. Sealants can last as long as ten years without needing to be replaced; however, during a regular dental checkup, we will check your sealants for any chipping or excessive wearing. If a dental sealant needs replacement, it can generally be done on the spot as necessary.
Are Tooth Sealants Expensive?
Dental sealants are perhaps one of the most affordable preventive dental services that you can receive. In most cases, dental sealants cost less than $50 per tooth and end up preventing much more costly dental procedures such as fillings, root canals and even needing the tooth to be extracted and replaced.
Are Sealants Covered Under Dental Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans do cover the cost of dental sealants as a means to keep good oral health and prevent cavities. If you are not sure that your specific plan will cover dental sealants, we can look into it for you. Call our office at (916) 683-4333 or request an appointment today and we can take a look.
