Dental Sealants to Reduce Risk of Tooth Decay

Dental sealants are a great prevention tactic that many dentists recommend today. Your dentist wants your teeth to remain healthy and cavity-free for as long as possible. We all want to do whatever is necessary to maintain our natural teeth and keep our smiles bright. 

Our natural teeth are put through a lot if you think about it. We use them daily and put them through a lot of drinking of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods. Yes, some of us have a healthier way of living than others, but the healthier eater gives their teeth raw vegetables that can be harsh on our teeth as well. 

In reality, no matter our diet, we all still eat and drink multiple times a day. There are coffee and tea drinkers that promote stained teeth, people who think their teeth are a tool to open packages, and the countless candy binges and tobacco users. 

So, if your dentist told you there was a way to help prevent your teeth from cavities, stains, and more, you would be very interested. 

What are dental sealants?

This invisible coating on your teeth will act as a barrier. The sealant will protect your tooth enamel from plaque and acids. It will block out germs and food. 

This coating is made of a thin plastic material painted onto your teeth' chewing surfaces. It is usually most recommended on the back teeth, also known as your premolars and molars.  

There is no risk involved with this coating. It can only help you from developing cavities. It has been researched and discovered that this thin layer would protect you from 80% of cavities for two years, and it can go as far as protecting you from 50% of cavities for up to 4 years. 

Many patients are very interested in this preventative action they can take to help their teeth. It allows people to maintian their natural-looking smile. 

Are sealants necessary?

If your dentist is encouraging you to have this put on your teeth, it is your final decision as to whether or not you have to. This preventative measure is not necessary. It will benefit you and help prevent cavities, but it is not required. 

You can also help your teeth and gums out by establishing an oral health hygiene routine as early as possible and sticking to it. Getting into the habit of brushing and flossing regularly is a great preventative measure against cavities forming. 

However, if you are looking for any extra way to help prevent future damage to your teeth, then you should consider asking your doctor if this is a good idea for you and your oral health.  

Will my insurance company cover it?

As with any other dental procedure you have done, you should always call your dental coverage company and ask them, in advance, if they will cover this preventative measure. Usually, dental insurance plans do help pay for anything preventative. 

The insurance companies see the value in preventing cavities from forming because it will save them money in the future because you shouldn't need extensive work done due to cavities forming. 

If it is determined that you may have to pay an out-of-pocket expense, then you can ask your dental office if they will take payments or set up a payment arrangement to help you with the cost.  

Does sealant placement hurt?

The short answer is no. You shouldn't feel any pain by having dental sealants in your mouth. Dental sealants will only need to be brushed on your teeth, which will involve zero pain. The only discomfort a patient will have is holding their mouth open for the procedure as this can become uncomfortable for some people. 

The sealant can be placed on your teeth in one office visit. The only con of getting this preventative measure done is that if it is not put on by an experienced professional, it may fail or not cover the correct surfaces.  

Always make sure to ask your dentist if they are experienced and ask about the experience level of anyone other than the dentist that will be putting on the sealant.  

Make an appointment

If you want to get this added protection on your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist and discuss your options. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assure you of all the pros of this great preventative measure. Learn more from your dentist today. 

Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Columbia, SC.