Sealants

Sealants Questions

Jamboree Dentistry is a pediatric dentistry practice in Houston that provides care that meets today’s most demanding pediatric dentistry needs. Do you have questions regarding sealants? Browse the Jamboree Dentistry sealants questions here. 

What are sealants?

Dental sealant is a thin plastic material that goes on the outside of the teeth. Once put in place, the dental sealant will bond to chewing surfaces to help protect from plaque and tooth decay. Dental sealant protects cavity-prone teeth from forming any tooth decay, and can protect the teeth for up to 10 years.

 

Preventing Children’s Cavities

When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is flatter and smoother. This means there are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.

 

The most common teeth for a dentist to seal are a child’s teeth in the back of their mouths, and of these teeth, the molars are the most common teeth on which dental sealants are placed. Many dentists recommend using dental sealant when a child’s adult teeth come in to help keep them in the best possible condition. The recommendation for sealants should be considered on a case by case basis.

How do sealants work?

In many cases, it is near impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves between their teeth. When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.

 

Here’s where to get dental sealant.

This is not a product you can just pick up at your local pharmacy and put on yourself like a whitening strip. Rather, this is a process that needs to be handled by the dentist. First, they will clean the teeth, then dry them, use an acid solution to prepare the teeth, and then paint on the sealant. Depending on the type of sealant used, there may also be need for a special light to harden the solution.

What is the life expectancy of tooth sealants?

The longevity of sealants can vary. Sealants which have remained in place for three to five years would be considered successful, however, sealants can last much longer. It is not uncommon to see sealants placed during childhood still intact on the teeth of adults. Our office will check your child’s sealants during routine dental visits and will recommend repair or reapplication when necessary.

 

Routine Sealant Checkup

In order to ensure that dental sealants are doing their job, they should be checked upon routinely every several months. Make sure your dentist checks the sealant at regular dentist appointments for chips or the sealant wearing down. Repair or reapplication of dental sealants should be performed as soon as it is recommended.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Any tooth may be sealed. The location of dental sealant placement depends on the patient and should be considered by a dental professional on a case-by-case basis.

 

Adult Molars Are Most Commonly Sealed

Any tooth on the patient that has the surface area available for correction and decay prevention should be sealed, though the molars are most often recommended for sealant application. The most common teeth for a dentist to seal are a child’s teeth in the back of their mouths.

 

Working to Preserve Adult Teeth

Many dentists recommend using dental sealant when a child’s adult teeth come in to help keep them in the best possible condition. The recommendation for sealants varies depending on the child’s individual teeth.

What is the procedure for placing sealants?

The procedure for placing sealants can be very easy. The procedure generally takes one visit, and all activities for the day can be resumed right after the sealant placement is completed.

 

Stress-Free Sealant Placement

Sealant placement with Jamboree Dentistry is designed to be as stress-free of a procedure as possible. The procedure is completed with no pain to healthy teeth and gums. We only recommend the treatment if the child’s teeth and gums are fit for the procedure.

 

Sealant placement steps are as follows:

  • The tooth is cleaned, conditioned, and dried.
  • The sealant is softly applied onto the tooth.
  • A blue dental curing light is shined onto the tooth.
  • The sealant is smoothly buffed down.
  • The patient is free to resume their normal daily activities!
How important is brushing and flossing after sealants are applied?

The importance of brushing and flossing teeth does not decrease after sealants are applied. While sealants are a great part of the defensive plan against tooth decay, regular dental hygiene habits are still necessary.

 

Everyone Must Brush and Floss Regularly, Regardless

Brushing and flossing is still important to maintain after sealants are applied. Sealants cover a part of the tooth, but the entire tooth needs to be consistently cleaned.

 

Life-Long Cavity Prevention Tips

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks
  • Consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing

Brushing and flossing before bedtime is vital because it prevents any food caught in the teeth from staying in the mouth overnight, where it can cause damage to the teeth and gums. The acids in the mouth will attack the surface of the teeth and gums all night if they aren’t removed at bedtime.

How much does it cost?

Sealant treatment with Jamboree Dentistry is very affordable and valuable at the same time. We accept Medicaid and most dental insurance companies cover sealants. Sealant treatments are valuable because they provide long-term protection against tooth decay. Sealants can save patients thousands of dollars in dental care.

 

Sealant Treatment Cost at Jamboree Dentistry

Sealant treatment at Jamboree Dentistry is comparably inexpensive. We aim to deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients.

 

Sealant Treatment Really Can Save You Money

Per the dentist’s recommendation, as a few people do not benefit from sealants, sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years! Even with proper brushing, flossing, and checkups, people’s teeth are still susceptible to decay. Sealants work to prevent having to spend money on fillings, or worse, root canals. And, maintenance is practically free. Sealants only need to be checked and maintained as a part of regular checkups.

 

Get Sealants with Jamboree Dentistry

Jamboree Dentistry has the tools you need to make your child’s teeth clean and trouble-free, and that includes sealants. Contact us today for a quality Medicaid-accepting pediatric dentist who will make your child’s teeth their healthiest.

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