Tooth decay is a chronic problem for many people, and children are not exempted from these problems. Children under two years old undergo root canal treatments because tooth decay affects them. The issue of tooth decay is prominent among adults and children alike; discoveries like fluoride and teeth sealants are helping significantly in the prevention of tooth decay. Dentists have discovered that dental sealants offer additional protection to children’s teeth even after they are protected by fluoride treatments that help defend against decay. Dental sealants provide a protective plastic coating covering the surfaces of the back teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay. Continue reading for dental sealant procedure and cost.
Are Children the Only Recipients of Dental Sealants?
Children’s teeth have many pits and fissures on the surfaces of their molars, making them incredibly susceptible to cavities. Food particles and debris trapped in the grooves of a child’s tooth result in bacterial attacks to begin the process of tooth decay. The pits and fissures are more problematic for some children than for others.
Similar problems are encountered by children in the cavity-prone ages of four to 17 and adults with grooves on their molars. The highest number of pits and fissures are on the molars and premolars. These teeth are challenging to clean for everyone with a toothbrush or dental floss. Applying dental sealants on the molars helps prevent tooth decay in vulnerable populations.
Pits and fissures on adult molars can also benefit from applying dental sealants, even from the emergency dentist. However, children often feasting themselves on sugary foods and beverages without maintaining proper oral hygiene, leaving them vulnerable to tooth decay. Therefore, the dentist recommends your child gets teeth sealants soon after they develop their molars for maximum protection.
How Intensive Is the Dental Sealant Procedure?
The sealant procedure is generally performed on baby teeth soon after they emerge and repeated at regular intervals over the years. Dental sealants are gradually lost due to natural wear and tear, requiring replacement of the application for maximum effectiveness.
The dental sealant procedure is not intensive but requires your child to remain seated in the dentist’s chair for about 30 minutes with their mouths open. Dentist initially clean your child’s teeth and dries them. After the teeth are entirely dry, an etching solution is applied to ensure the sealant adheres to the tooth surface. The teeth are again cleaned by your dentist before eventually applying the adhesive. The dentist paints each tooth with dental sealants with a thin layer of plastic coating. As dental sealants are clear or white material, they blend naturally with the teeth’ color. Dentist uses a high-intensity curing light to harden the sealant after it is applied to the teeth.
How Long Does a Sealant on a Tooth Last?
Dental sealants last on the child’s teeth for many years but must be assessed and checked regularly to determine whether reapplication is required. You are not required to visit dental sealants. Still, you can also consider visiting dentists neighboring practices in area for the reapplication if necessary.
It will help if you understand dental sealants are not substitutes for fluoride treatments. Instead, they add to the benefits of fluoride and preserve teeth to ensure they don’t decay or require extensive dental procedures further down the line.
How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?
Dental sealants cost around $ 45 per tooth. The prices of dental sealants shouldn’t bother you because it is a small price to pay for relief from the discomfort and costs associated with extensive dental procedures that become necessary when the teeth remain unprotected. If you have dental insurance, insurance companies often reimburse the expenses for children. However, adults must pay out of pocket for the protectant they want on their teeth. To learn more about dental sealants and their protection, you must schedule an appointment with the dentist in your area for a consultation. The dentist can explain the advantages of dental sealants after looking at your specific situation and even provide the out-of-pocket costs you may have to spend.