Dental Sealants

One of the greatest aids to preventive dental care is the dental sealant. Much as the name implies, dental sealants are bonded to the tooth. There they form a physical barrier to the acids which cause tooth decay. Sealants are especially effective on the chewing surfaces of back teeth(molars). These teeth develop tiny pits and narrow grooves which form a sheltered spot for decay-causing bacteria to multiply.

To apply the sealant, your dentist etches the tooth surface with a mild acidic solution. A thin film of liquid plastic resin is then flowed into the irregularities on the tooth surfaces. A very bright light is then used to "cure" the resin, making it hard. With a dental sealant in place, the underlying tooth is safe from decay. While dental sealants are most often placed on children, they can be used by adults and can even be placed on baby teeth if needed. Placement of sealants is not terribly uncomfortable and takes just a couple of minutes per tooth.

Sealants are not a substitute for good home hygiene care and regular check-ups. They need to be checked periodically to see if they've been lost or might be leaking. You can still get cavities in teeth with sealants, but the chances are greatly reduced. Expect a sealant to last from two to five years with normal wear. The cost varies widely across the country. Generally you might pay from $20 to $50 per tooth. Most insurance plans cover sealants, but some do not so be aware of you insurance benefits. Many insurance plans will have age limits on who it will pay to have sealants. There may also be frequency limits such that a sealant will only be paid every three or more years. Did I mention you need to be aware of your benefits?

Some teeth are just naturally well formed and resistant to decay. Not all teeth need to be sealed and those that do may not need to be sealed all at once. Keep this in mind if the cost of sealing a mouthful of teeth is going to be a financial burden. When combined with good home care and regular dental visits, dental sealants are an excellent and effective tool in the fight against cavities.