Dental Sealants in Chesapeake, VA

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants consist of a white or clear plastic material that is applied to the tops of molars. The tooth sealant treatment makes the chewing surface smooth and easy to clean by filling in the pits and grooves that toothbrushes cannot reach. Since food and plaque cannot become trapped on the chewing surface of molars, there is reduced risk for cavities.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The procedure has just a few quick steps, which only require one visit to our office:

1. Our dentist or dental hygienist will clean and dry the tops of the molars, making sure that no plaque remains on the tooth.
2. A mild acid gel goes on the chewing surface to make the top of the teeth abrasive so the sealant adheres properly.
3. Our dental professional rinses and dries the tooth.
4. Sealant is applied.
5. The sealant hardens, sometimes with the aid of a special light.

After the sealant dries, you or your child can resume chewing as usual with the sealed molars.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Usually Cost?

We base your dental sealants cost on the type of sealant product used and the number of teeth treated. Contact our office to request an appointment and our dentist will let you know what the treatment will cost. When coming for your appointment, bring in your dental insurance information as plans generally cover all or a major portion of the cost of the procedure since sealants are preventative treatments.

Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?

Adults are not immune to dental decay, nor can they easily reach into the all of fissures and pits in their molars with a toothbrush. The cost for an adult sealant dental treatment is minimal when taking into account the approximately 10 years of protection provided. Sealants can only protect teeth without fillings. Contact our office to learn more about dental sealants for adults.

Are Dental Sealants Beneficial for Children?

Dental sealants applied to children’s first and second adult molars can cut the risk of cavities in half. No parent likes to hear that his or her child has a cavity, and kids often fear having cavities filled. The dental sealant procedure is completely painless as there are no needles and no drilling involved. You can also have your child’s baby teeth treated with a sealant if your dentist feels that they are prone to decay, in order to help your child avoid painful cavities.

How Safe Are Dental Sealants?

Naturally, parents want to know if dental sealants could possibly be bad for their children. The American Dental Association’s studies have concluded that tooth sealant materials are safe for children and adults as well. If you would like to learn more about dental sealants in Chesapeake, VA, contact our office. We would be glad to address any concerns that you have and set up an appointment.