Why do we wear raincoats or carry umbrellas during a storm? To shield us from the rain! Similarly, dental sealants shield cavities and prominent decay from our teeth. Dentists recommend getting sealants before your tooth has a full-blown cavity. Most insurances help cover dental sealants because they prevent further dental issues that can be costly. Even if your insurance does not cover them, they are a smart way to protect your teeth and keep your mouth healthy!
How do sealants work?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating made from plastic or other dental materials that coats your back teeth. This protects teeth from cavities or further decay by shielding them from leftover food and bacteria. Cavity-causing bacteria and food particles combine to make an acid which causes holes to form in the teeth. A dental sealant fills the crevices where food can get stuck and keeps the bad bacteria and acid from sitting on your teeth. This prevents the start of tooth decay which can quickly turn into a cavity.
Who can get sealants?
Not all insurances cover sealants, but that does not mean you shouldn’t get them! Children and adults benefit from getting sealants and as the saying goes… the earlier the better. Dentists recommend getting dental sealants before the tooth has any problematic decay. The best time for children to get sealants is when their permanent molars grow in!. This way, those teeth are protected from the beginning. Teeth that have a small amount of decay, that has not turned into a cavity, can still get sealants to prevent further decay.
Why get sealants?
The CDC says, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.” Besides the fact that sealants protect teeth from decay, sealants protect you from pain. No one has ever said having a cavity and getting it filled is an enjoyable thing! Sealants protect you from the pain of going to get a cavity filled and emptying your pockets. That’s right! In the long run, sealants will save you money on dental work.
How long do sealants last?
Dental sealants typically last a couple years before they need to be reapplied. Your dentist will check the condition of them at your regular 6 month checkup. If you have any questions, or feel like your sealants are wearing down, ask your dentist!
Here at Spring Dental, we want the best for our patients. We are always willing to work out payment plans and offer the most affordable price for your dental treatment! Come see us today to get your dental sealants!
