Snellville Family Dental

Dental Sealants

See Why We’re Rated 5 Stars

Snellville Family Dental is a General Dental practice that also provides specialist procedures. Located in Snellville, GA, we proudly provide the area with exceptional dental care while using the most up to date and cutting edge procedures. We also have in house dental specialists who offer advanced dental services, typically only offered at specialist offices, such as root canals, teeth extractions, clear smile aligners, and dental implant placements. We also perform all aspects of general dentistry, such as teeth cleanings, fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. This diverse offering means that you do not have to be referred to a specialist and you do not have to go to another dental office. Get all of your dental work, big or small, done in one office.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a coating applied to the top of your back teeth, also known as your molars, to prevent cavities and other forms of tooth decay from forming. This works because the coating acts as a shield, preventing harmful bacteria from touching your teeth. A dental sealant can be up to 80% effective in protecting your teeth from cavities. Dental Sealants are the most underused and cost-effective strategy for keeping your teeth cavity-free.

When Are Dental Sealants Used?

Senior woman on the operation in the dental office. Dentist with assistant putting dental seal

Sealants are usually applied to teeth on children ages six through eighteen, but some adults find them helpful as well. Dental sealants are used to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

While we should never stop brushing our teeth to remove food particles and plaque, we don’t successfully remove everything, and the back teeth are at particular risk. Dental sealants help to protect those areas of vulnerability by sealing them against bacteria

Below are some things that you need to know about the sealants at Snellville Family Dental in Snellville,GA.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The application process for dental sealants is simple and there is usually no pain throughout the entire procedure. It also doesn’t take very much time for your dentist to apply sealants to all your teeth. It’s one of the most cost-effective options for preventing tooth infection and helping your teeth last a lifetime.

Before applying the sealants, first, your dentist will clean your teeth, and examine the tooth structure to check for decay and anything that may still be stuck in the tooth area. Next, each of the teeth will be dried and cotton will be placed around your teeth

After this, your dentist etches the surface of the enamel to roughen it up so the sealant will bond to the tooth. The sealant material is applied with a brush and is ‘painted on’ to your teeth. The dental sealant quickly goes into the grooves of the teeth to form a shield over the enamel of each tooth. The tooth is then rinsed and dried, and the sealant allowed to bond to the tooth, sometimes with the help of a special light.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants have the ability to protect your teeth for as many as 10 years. When they wear off they are very easily replaced by painting another sealant in place of the other one. When you have your regular dental checkups, you should always make sure to have your dentist check that the sealant has not chipped, worn off or fallen off of your tooth. The deterioration of your sealant can be increased by chewing hard foods as well as grinding and clenching of the teeth.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Dental sealants are one of the cheapest and effective strategies when it comes to preventing your teeth from cavities and decay. Dental Sealants cost about $50 per tooth and are primarily only used on your molars. You have 12 molars in your mouth so that makes getting a full sealant procedure on your molars only $600. With sealants lasting as long as 10 years it would be difficult to find a procedure that yields better results.

Does Insurance Pay For Dental Sealants

Most insurance providers will pay for a dental sealant as a part of preventative care. We can provide you with the information your insurance company will need to determine how much of the process they will cover. They may be covered in full or a copay may be required.

Do Kids Need Dental Sealants?

With the increase of sugary foods that have now become part of our children’s lives, dental sealants may seem like a good idea, but do kids need dental sealants?

While many different credible sources talk about how important and beneficial these dental sealants are for kids, only about 20 to 40 percent of children actually get the coating. One of the main reasons is likely that people are not getting regular dental care.

While dental sealants aren’t necessary for kids, they do help combat cavities which means less need for fillings and much healthier teeth. Without this and other preventative treatments, children may face increasing difficulties and occurrence of oral decay and infection as they grow older requiring more painful and expensive dental treatments.

To keep cavities at bay, make sure that you brush at least two times a day — ideally before bed and in the morning — with an ADA-accepted toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using floss daily or another interdental cleaner is also necessary. Limit snacks and eat a balanced diet, and of course, don’t forget to see us for your regularly scheduled dental checkup.

All of the staff at Snellville Family Dental are committed to your dental health and well-being. We are serious about keeping up with the latest and best ways to protect and maintain your teeth so that you can feel safe knowing you’re making the best decision for you and your teeth. Don’t delay, Contact Us today so he can help you keep your smile looking amazing.