What To Know About Dental Sealants

Posted on: 9 August 2022

Has your dentist recommended that you get dental sealants, but you do not know much about them? Here are a few things that you should know about dental sealants before you decide to get them.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are essentially plastic coatings that are applied to the deep pits and grooves of your molars. It prevents all types of bacteria from getting into those pits and grooves, which are often hard to clean out with a toothbrush. It prevents those parts of the teeth that are more susceptible to cavities from getting them.

Do You Have To Get Dental Sealants?

Know that dental sealants are a completely elective procedure. You don't have to get it done if you do not want to. Your dentist may make a recommendation, they are not necessary to protect your teeth if you just want to stick to regular brushing.

Are Dental Sealants Covered By Insurance?

Even though dental sealants are an elective procedure, many dental insurance providers do cover sealants at full coverage. This is because it is a preventative measure that works very well, and prevents cavities from forming on those teeth and the big bills that result from it.

Are Dental Sealants Basically Fillings?

Dental sealants and fillings are not the same things. This is because dental sealants do not require any drilling or numbing in order to apply dental sealants. You won't feel anything during the procedure, since it is completely painless. Sealants are also applied to healthy teeth in order to keep them healthy, as opposed to fillings that are designed to protect unhealthy teeth.

Why Are Sealants Only Used On Molars?

The material used for dental sealants only sticks well to the pits and grooves of your rear molars and does not work well on flat and smooth surfaces. This means that the only teeth that can really benefit from them are the rear molars, which are the teeth more susceptible to cavities. Sealants cannot be put on other teeth because it is not practical.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

If you have concerns about the safety of dental sealants, know that they are made out of a material that is BPA-free. This means that if the sealant were to come off the tooth and you were to accidentally swallow it, then the sealant wouldn't cause any health risk to you.

Reach out to your family dental care professional if you are ready to get dental sealants.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.