OK, OK… THE TOPIC OF “DENTAL SEALANTS” IS ABOUT AS EXCITING AS IT SOUNDS—but don’t let the boring name fool you. In some cases, this simple and quick procedure is one of the easiest things we can do for you to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Drs. Kevin and Jane recommend dental sealants as preventive dental care for most children. In addition to them sometimes still learning regular dental care, children’s teeth have small depressions and grooves. These grooves make it harder to properly clean them using brushing alone. Sealants are applied as a layer over these grooves, creating a protection which helps keep plaque from forming in the small crevices. Even though it’s ideal to get sealants as a child, adults can often be good candidates for dental sealants.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9NoU1NHE0&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0]Sealants are applied during a very short visit here at our office. After your teeth are cleaned and prepped, the sealing solution is painted directly on tooth surfaces. Then, a curing light hardens the sealant. After the sealant is hardened you’re on your way—no need to wait to eat or drink. Routine dental checkups to our office will keep tabs on your sealants, making sure they’re in good condition.
Some insurance companies cover sealants, and the procedure can last about 10 years—making one application last from childhood, well into adulthood. To see if it’s the right time to get sealants for your children or yourself, just ask us using our contact form. Or, you can always send us a message on our Twitter or Facebook sites with your questions. Or just give us a call at 712-239-5125, we love hearing your voice too!