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Sealants

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Riverside, CA

Sealants

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Reasons for sealants:

  • Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
  • Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.
  • Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

What do sealants involve?

Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.

The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.

Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental sealants last?

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance.

Is the process of applying dental sealants painful?

No, the process of applying dental sealants is painless and doesn’t require any drilling or removal of tooth structure.

Who is a good candidate for dental sealants?

Children are the most common candidates for dental sealants, but adults who are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay can also benefit from this treatment.

Are dental sealants covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants for children, but coverage may vary. Our team can help you determine your insurance coverage for this treatment.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental sealants or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at Hon Van Cao, DDS in Riverside, CA. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.