Tooth Sealants in Independence, KY

Teaching your child to brush and floss their teeth daily is the best way to prevent cavities and build oral hygiene habits they can practice into adulthood. However, there is another, much more effective way to prevent tooth decay – dental sealants. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the permanent molars for two years after application. They also continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating placed on the grooves of the teeth to protect them from cavities. They’re usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective barrier over the enamel of each tooth, sealing out food and bacteria.

Who are the Best Candidates for Getting Tooth Sealants?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are excellent candidates for sealants. However, adults, especially those highly susceptible to decay, can also benefit from dental sealants.

How are Cavity Prevention Sealants Applied?

Applying dental sealant is a simple, quick, and painless procedure:

• The tooth is cleaned and dried, and cotton or absorbent material is placed around the tooth, so it stays dry.

• An etching solution is applied to the tooth to roughen the surface and make adhesion more effective.

• The tooth is rinsed and dried, and a fresh cotton strip is placed around the tooth.

• Liquid sealant is applied to the tooth, which hardens in just a few seconds.

• The cavity prevention sealant is now in place and will remain effective for several years.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

●      Help fights tooth decay: Dental sealants offer protective coverage to keep plaque and food from building up in the hard-to-reach places in your back molars, effectively preventing cavities.

●      Improve oral hygiene: Tooth sealants provide added support for your oral care routine.

●      Natural-looking: Sealants are white or clear in color, making them virtually invisible when talking, smiling, or eating.

●      Durable: Sealants are durable under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.

● Quick, painless, and safe: Dental sealants are safe and effective, and the application is virtually painless.

How Do You Care for Tooth Sealants?

Sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Our family dentist, Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, can replace sealants as necessary.

While the sealant protects the biting surfaces of the teeth, the sides and gaps between your teeth are still susceptible to the buildup of bacteria from plaque and tartar. Be sure to brush all of the surfaces of your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You should also continue to floss your teeth and gumline daily to loosen bacterial plaque and food particles.

How Much Do Cavity Prevention Sealants Cost?

Since dental sealants offer excellent protection against cavities, many health insurance providers will cover the cost of dental sealants. Check with your dental insurance carrier to determine if sealants are covered under your plan.

Get Dental Sealants at Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Today!

Are you considering dental sealants in the Independence, KY, area? Dental sealants from Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are a relatively inexpensive and easy to apply–in one dental visit–protection for the biting surfaces of your back teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you protect your smile!