Who Can Benefit From Sealants?
To get the most out of sealants it’s important to get them early, especially for younger patients. Children first get their molars around six years old, with their second ones coming through approximately six years later. If these teeth are sealed immediately, they’ll remain cavity-free, saving you money and time over the years.
How Does My Dentist Apply Sealants?
The overall process is very simple and painless for the patient. It starts with the dentist cleaning the patient’s teeth and drying out their mouth. Once the application site is dry, the dentist will apply an acidic gel to the desired teeth to create a slightly rough surface for the seal to attach to. The gel will then be rinsed off, and sealant applied to the tooth, followed by hardening it with a blue light made for the purpose.
Can Sealants Be Used On Top Of Cavities?
In cases of early decay, the sealant can be applied to help prevent additional damage from occurring. Thanks to the transparent nature of the sealant, your dentist will be able to keep an eye on the sealed location to ensure no further damage is occurring.
What Side Effects Are There With Sealants?
No known side effects, outside of a potential allergic reaction in some patients, are known to exist from the use of sealants.
Is BPA Present In Sealants?
There is a very limited amount of BPA in sealants, so little that the patient is at no risk of any harm. Using cosmetics, breathing dust, and touching a receipt will all expose you to more BPA than sealants.
How Long Are Sealants Good For? Are They Covered By My Insurance?
Several years will pass before it is necessary to reapply sealants. Every dental visit, your dentist will check your sealant to ensure they remain effective and will reapply them at need. Coverage varies from plan to plan, check with your provider to determine your plan’s coverage or contact us for assistance.
