What are dental sealants?
Sealants are a plastic material that is placed in the pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of your teeth, particularly the molars at the back because toothbrushes can’t reach all the way into the grooves to clean well.
Who needs dental sealants?
Dr. Sakina Khambaty recommends dental sealants for all kids. They are notoriously bad brushers (especially at the back of their mouths) and the sealants are highly effective in improving their oral hygiene. Adults with certain problem areas are also sometimes good candidates for sealant but this typically depends on the situation and Dr. Sakina typically makes the call after a discussion with the patient.
How do I get dental sealants?
Getting sealants is a pretty simple and straight-forward process that can be handles at your 6 month annual check-up. At Valley Ranch Family Dentistry, we typically ask parents of kids if they would like to get the sealants.
Some additional information about sealants can be found below :
Many people have deep pits and grooves in their teeth where bacteria and food particles hide and cause decay. Children with poor brushing habits may develop decay on hard-to-reach molars. For situations like these, dental sealants offer a means of protecting molar and premolar chewing surfaces from decay. Recognized by the American Dental Association as a key means of cavity prevention, dental sealants are a thin plastic film that can be applied to teeth.
First, we identify and fill any spots of decay, then prepare teeth with a cleaning and etching solution. After about 15 seconds, we thoroughly rinse the solution, dry the surface, coat teeth with sealant, and harden it with a curing light. The entire procedure is quick, easy, and comfortable. It takes about 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to seal.
Dental sealants create an impenetrable physical barrier for small food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, making them highly effective in preventing tooth surface decay and the resulting cavities. Sealants last up to ten years. Most insurance companies only cover sealant procedures at a minimal level, but the good news is that insurance companies seem to be recognizing this technique’s value as a preventive measure that reduces future dental costs and more aggressive treatments. Ask us about dental sealants for you and your kids today!