Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are made of a white or tooth colored resin that seals off the deep grooves and pits in these teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped and causing cavities.
Dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, especially in children. Studies have shown that dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in permanent molars by up to 80% in the first two years after application, and by up to 60% for four years after application.
How are dental sealants applied?
Dental sealants are applied in a simple and painless procedure. The teeth are first cleaned and dried. Then, a gel is applied to the tooth to microscopically roughen the enamel, which helps the sealant to bond better. Once the gel has been rinsed off, the sealant is applied to the tooth and cured with a special light.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last for several years, but they should be checked regularly by your dentist to make sure that they are still intact. If a sealant does chip or wear away, it can be easily repaired.
Who should get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are recommended for all children as soon as their permanent molars erupt. They can also be beneficial for adults who are at high risk of cavities, such as people with dry mouth or people who take medications that reduce saliva production. Some people have deep grooves and fissures in their teeth that make them more prone to tooth decay--sealants can be an effective way to help in that situation as well.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities. They are made of materials that have been tested and proven to be safe for use in the mouth.
Quick and Painless Application
Dental sealants are applied in a quick and painless procedure that does not require any numbing or drilling on the teeth. The entire procedure typically takes only a few minutes per tooth to complete. If the bite feels elevated then the dentist will reduce the excess resin or polish with a handpiece if needed to adjust the bite.
Dental Sealants are Cost Effective
Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities. Most dental insurance plans will cover sealants at 100% so there is no cost to you if we are doing sealants on children and teenagers. Some insurance plans cover sealants for adults too. The average cost of a dental sealant is around $40 per tooth. However, the cost of treating a cavity can be much higher, ranging from $100 to $300 per cavity. In addition, cavities can lead to other dental problems, such as abscesses and root canals, which can be even more expensive to treat.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that dental sealants can save parents an average of $300 per child over the course of their lifetime. This is because dental sealants can help to prevent cavities, which can save parents the money they would have spent on treating those cavities.
In addition to being cost-effective for parents, dental sealants are also cost-effective for society as a whole. A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that every dollar invested in dental sealants saves society $8 on dental costs. This is because dental sealants can help to reduce the need for more expensive dental procedures, such as fillings and root canals.
Overall, dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities. They can save parents money on dental costs and help to reduce the overall cost of dental care for society as a whole.
Citations and links to research:
A concise review of dental sealants in caries management: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10149715/
Effectiveness of Sealants Treatment in Permanent Molars: A Longitudinal Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8311774/
Dental Sealants: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/dental-sealants/index.html
If you are looking for a dentist in Herriman, Utah who offers dental sealants, please contact Copper Mountain Dental. We offer a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, and we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care.