You’ve been showing your child the best way to brush and floss their teeth to keep their smile healthy. However, there is another thing that can help them to maintain excellent oral health. It isn’t always easy for kids to reach all of the areas in their mouth, so by having a “safety net,” they are more likely to remain cavity-free. Dental sealants could be a game changer for your child. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about dental sealants and their answers so you can be well-informed!
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
A sealant is applied by a dentist and acts as a protective coating for the teeth. It helps to keep food particles, plaque, and bacteria from settling on the teeth. This prevents acid from eating away at the protective tooth enamel, therefore reducing your child’s risk of tooth decay.
Who Can Get Dental Sealants?
Both children and adults can benefit from sealants, but generally, the earlier the better. Sealing molars as they come in helps to keep them from developing cavities. In the end, having sealant as early as possible can help you to save money on restoration dental work.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
Sealants are applied in a quick and easy process. Your dentist will clean and dry the tooth before placing an acidic gel. This gel will roughen the tooth’s surface to allow for a stronger bond to form between the tooth and the sealant. After just a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry the tooth. Next, the sealant is applied to the grooves of the tooth. A special light is used to harden the material into place.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Sealants often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. Generally, during regular checkups, the dentist will check the condition of the sealant placed to ensure that it is still in good shape. It can be reapplied as needed.
Can Sealants Be Placed on Cavities?
If there is minor decay present on a tooth, sealants can often be used to prevent further damage. Many sealants are clear in color, so the dentist is still able to keep a close eye on the trouble spot to be sure that the decay doesn’t progress any further.
Are Dental Sealants Covered by Dental Insurance?
This completely depends on your dental insurance plan. Some plans do cover sealants, so you should contact your insurance company to find out what exactly your plan covers and what it doesn’t. This way, you can make the best decision for your dental health and your wallet.
Your child’s smile can benefit from dental sealants. By working with your child’s dentist, you can come up with a plan that’s ideal for them!
About the Author
Dr. James P. Kostas is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over three decades! He earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. And is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skill sharp. He is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Implant Association. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. For more information about dental sealants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Burlington, visit his website or call (781) 272-0441.
