Tooth decay is a very common dental issue. It’s quite hard to clean every nook and corner of your teeth properly, right? And mostly those molars and premolars, even with brushing and flossing! Molars are actually rough and unequal. And they are the most preferable spot for remaining food particles and cavity-generating bacteria to conceal themselves.
But, do you know there’s another protection measure to keep your teeth clean? It’s called a Sealant! It’s a thin, protective film applied to the chewing surface of your back teeth. It is built of plastic or other dental materials. They can block cavities from growing and even obstruct early phases of dental decay from advancing into a full-blown cavity.
Treatment Process
Applying sealants is a pretty swift and pain-free dental practice. Your dentist first carefully cleans and dries your tooth. He/she puts some cotton or other absorbent material around the tooth to keep it dry. Next, your dentist applies an acidic gel on your tooth. This gel actually roughens your tooth surface. And therefore creates a firm binding between your tooth and the sealant. Few minutes later, your dentist washes off the gel. He/she again dries your tooth before applying the sealant onto the fissures of your tooth. Then with the help of a special blue light the sealant is hardened. When the sealant has fully hardened it becomes a hard plastic varnish coating! And you can chew normally all over again.
Who Can Get Sealants?
Both children and adults can opt for sealants. But the faster you receive them, the better. Normally, kids should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars when these teeth start to emerge. This is how the sealants can safeguard the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6-14.
At times, dental sealants may also be perfect for baby teeth. If a toddler’s baby teeth have severe depressions and grooves, then sealants can be a good option! Baby teeth anchor the accurate spacing for permanent teeth. Hence, it’s crucial to keep these teeth healthy and strong to ensure that they are not lost too early.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants generally stay for 10 years and they need to be applied again. When you go for your regular dental visits, your dentist can check the condition of the sealant. And the dentist can reapply them if required. Use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwashes to keep your mouth clean and prevent dental decay and cavities.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Sealants?
Multiple insurance companies cover the expense of sealants. But this is majorly for patients who are less than 18 years of age. You can first verify with your dental insurance service provider if sealants are covered.
Now, if you’re looking for a ‘Dentist near me’ in Denver, CO, then surely visit our office at Smile Studio Dental to get your Sealants! Our Dentist in Denver will provide you the best treatment. After all, we always care about your valuable smile!
