sealants

Around six years old, children typically have their first molars; this is the perfect time to ask about dental sealants. The earlier sealants are applied to the molar surface, the better the results. Covering a pristine, cavity-free molar surface with sealant will keep it that way.

But wait, are sealants just for little kids? What about adult molars that appear around the age of twelve? Wouldn’t sealants work for these teeth too? The answer is a resounding yes! Sealants are just as effective for adult molars as for younger kids. Some adults have sealants because they effectively maintain a cavity-free area. Speak with the dentist to see if sealants are something you should consider.

Getting sealants is quick and painless. It can be done in one dental visit and entails the dentist cleaning the tooth to be treated and applying a slightly acidic solution to the surface to help the sealant adhere better. After a few seconds, the dentist rinses off the acidic gel, dries the area, and then applies the sealant to the tooth's surface; a special blue light is then used to cure the sealant.

Yes, dental sealants are safe and carry no known side effects except for a rare allergic reaction. The material used to make the sealant contains a minute amount of BPA but far less than would cause any harm. You actually encounter more BPA from touching a receipt or from regular contact with dust than you do from sealants.

Most insurances are agreeable to paying for sealants because they effectively prevent tooth decay, which requires more invasive and costly treatment. Our friendly and helpful front office staff will be happy to contact your insurance carrier to confirm coverage before any treatment, so there are no surprises.