What you should know about Sealants

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Teethwhitening in Joliet

Most back teeth or molars have natural grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces, which make them more at risk of having cavities. This is because even in best practices of optimum oral hygiene (brushing and flossing regularly), these grooves and pits hold food, and hence, bacteria have more chances of growing within it. When bacteria grow in our mouth, they consume the sugary food we eat, and say “thank you” to us, by producing acid. Acid breaks down out teeth, causing decay of our teeth- cavities.

What are Dental sealants?

Sealants are primary prevention procedures placed on chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities from starting. Sealants can also stop the progression of active cavities. Sealants are made of plastic materials, which are thinly “glued” to natural grooves and pits in teeth, and can “even” the surfaces of teeth, so that there are no hidden, difficult to clean surfaces.

Who needs Sealants?

Everyone needs sealants, although the younger one is, the better. Children who benefit early from sealants have more protection against cavities than those who do not. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “sealants prevent the most cavities when applied soon after permanent molars come into the mouth (around age 6 for 1st molars and age 12 for 2nd molars)”.

Benefits of Sealants

• Sealants are fast and painless-do not involve getting numb, or getting a drilling.
• According to CDC, sealants protect us from 80% of cavities for two years, and continue to protect us against 50% of cavities, up to 4 years.
• Sealants as an effective primary prevention against cavities can totally remove the need for fillings and crowns, which are invariably more expensive, involve getting numb and getting a drilling.

The Process of getting sealants

Your dentist, dental hygienist, or other qualified health professional can help place your sealants. It involves the process of chemo-mechanically opening the pores on the surface (first layer) of the tooth (using a substance called etch), priming the tooth with another substance called “bond” (achieves better adhesion), then flowing in the sealants, and using the blue light to harden them. All of these processes are completely pain free!

According to ADA, there are no known side effects of sealants with the exception of allergy that may exist. BPAs in sealants are in such smaller small amounts, compared to the BPA exposure we get by touching receipts, or using cosmetics.

Does my Insurance cover Sealants?

Most insurances cover sealants for children, including Medicaid and PPO insurances. You may have to check with your Insurance to confirm coverage.

At Smile League Dental, your education and health is our priority!

Give us a call on 815-782-6243 to schedule your sealant appointment today. Visit smileleagudental.com for more information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]