QUESTIONS ABOUT SEALANTS
(To advance directly to the questions that interest you, click on the list below)
1. What are sealants and are they necessary?
2. How much do they cost?
3. Does insurance cover the cost of sealants?
4. How long do sealants last?
5. Are sealants just for kids?
6. How are sealants applied?
Q. What are sealants and are they necessary?
A. Sealants are a resin substance that is painted into the grooves
and creases on the surfaces of the molars. We feel they are necessary
because they largely prevent the formation of cavities. The areas of tooth
most prone to decay are the molars and with them protected, tooth decay
is virtually eliminated as long as normal hygiene procedures are followed.
Q. How much do they cost?
A. Sealants cost a fraction of what an average filling would cost
and last for years. They offer the best protection against decay available.
We recommend sealants for all of the children that we treat. The prevention
of decay and the ability to avoid the discomfort of toothaches and dental
repair is an added benefit provided with sealants.
Q. Does insurance cover the cost of sealants?
A. It depends on the insurance company and the plan you are on, but
generally 100% of the cost of sealants is covered as long as the patient
is under 14 years of age. In our experience insurance for sealants is
an all or nothing affair.
Q. How long do sealants last?
A. Three years is the guaranteed lifetime of a sealant and touch-ups
or a re-application can be done as needed when you get your semi-annual
check-ups. With proper care, you can expect sealants to last for several
years.
Q. Are sealants just for kids?
A. No, more and more adults are choosing to have sealants applied.
This makes especially good sense if you grew up with sealants and you
can continue the protection.
Q. How are sealants applied?
A. The tooth surface is cleaned, the surface is roughened a bit, fully
dried and then the sealant material is painted onto the upper surface
of the molar. The sealant then bonds directly to the surface of the tooth
and hardens, forming a protective barrier against the cavity causing agents
found in the plaque on our teeth.
If you have any other questions about sealants or other dental questions,
please feel free to call our office. We will work to answer all of your
questions.
Call: 1 (860) 668-0241
