Dental Sealants in Chesapeake, VA

What Are Sealants for Teeth?

Dental sealants are preventative treatments that dentists use to reduce cavities in their patient’s back teeth. It’s hard to reach into the grooves and pits of molars with a toothbrush. The liquid, plastic sealant fills in the grooves, making the teeth easier to keep clean. The sealant provides a physical barricade, blocking bacteria and acids from accumulation for up to five years.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The dental sealant procedure only takes one appointment. There are no needles, and many children tolerate the procedure well. First, the teeth being treated are meticulously cleaned to remove plaque, and then dried. Next, our dentist will roughen the top of the tooth with a mild acid gel, and rinses and dries the tooth again. Then, our dentist paints the sealant of the top of the molars and waits for the sealant to dry. Certain sealants require the use of an LED light or visible to cure the sealant. Once the sealant become hard, it should stay in place for five years or more.

How Much Are Dental Sealants?

We determine your dental sealants cost by the sealant used and the number of teeth being sealed. Dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of dental sealants for children. To learn what you will pay for dental sealants in Chesapeake, contact our office.

Are Dental Sealants for Adults Recommended?

Unfortunately, sealants are not effective on teeth that already have fillings in them. People are also less prone to develop cavities as an adult. Nevertheless, there are adults who are at a high risk for developing decay, including people who take a medication that inhibits saliva production. For these adults, dental sealants offer added protection against cavities. Contact our office to consult with one our dentists if you are an adult who believes that you need the added protection of sealants.

How Beneficial Are Dental Sealants for Children?

Sealants are a physical barrier, preventing up to 50 percent of cavities in molars and premolars, which account for the majority of decay in a child’s teeth. With regular checkups to keep a eye on sealant integrity, the benefits can last from five to 10 years. Call our office to arrange an appointment and we’ll explain all of the benefits that sealants provide.

Your dentist may recommend sealants for your child’s baby teeth if he or she believes that severe decay is a possibility. Baby teeth are important to ensure adult teeth emerge correctly.

Is it True that Dental Sealants Are Not Safe?

No, dental sealants are a proven, safe tool our dentists use against dental decay. There is 25 years of research that proves the tooth sealant material is quite safe. If you have questions or concerns about the sealant dental treatment or the material used, call our office to schedule a consultation. One of our dentists will give you the facts and help you decide if dental sealants are the right choice for your child.