Dental Sealants

Sealant is one of the most accessible preventive dental procedures. Sealing teeth can be done in a single dental visit and is entirely painless!

First, the teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and dried. That is essential for the sealant material to adhere properly. Gauze and cotton are placed around the tooth to prevent moisture from collecting.

Next, the dentist treats the tooth's chewing surface with a mild acid. This will roughen the surface layer of the tooth's enamel to produce an optimal bond with the tooth's surface. The tooth will be rinsed with water and dried a final time before the sealant is applied.

Dental sealant is a plastic-like material when dry. As a liquid, the sealant will settle into the recesses within the chewing surfaces. Then a curing light quickly hardens and bonds the sealant. That's it! The cured sealant protects the tooth from harmful plaque and bacteria.

Decay frequently occurs in premolars and molars due to the build-up of bacteria within the crevices of the tooth's biting surface. Even with proper oral hygiene, bacteria within these deep crevices are tough to brush out, allowing plaque and bacteria to form, leading to a cavity.

Dental sealants effectively create a protective layer sealing off tooth crevices, so plaque and bacteria can't form. Dental sealants also make brushing these teeth much more effective, preventing cavities.

Dental sealants are for everyone, so we invite you to request an appointment. Let's talk about dental sealants.

Dental sealants are durable and stand up well against normal biting and chewing forces. Dental sealants can last as long as ten years; nonetheless, we will check your sealants for any chipping or excessive wearing during dental checkups. The dentist can repair sealants on the spot as necessary.

Dental sealants cost less than $50 per tooth and prevent much more costly dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, and even needing the tooth to be extracted and replaced.

Are Sealants Covered Under Dental Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans do cover the cost of dental sealants as a means to keep good oral health and prevent cavities. If you are not sure that your specific plan will cover dental sealants, we can look into it for you. Call our office at 916-773-0800 or request an appointment today and we can take a look.