Dental Sealants in Richardson, TX
Sealants are an easy way to protect your teeth from tooth decay. Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that can be put into the grooves and tiny pits on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). Once they’re applied, sealants block plaque, tartar, bacteria, and food particles from causing cavities in the teeth. Dental sealants may stay on for years if they are cared for properly with an effective oral hygiene routine at home. Not only can sealants maintain the health of your mouth and lower the risk of dental cavities, but they may also save you from expensive treatments at your dental visits at Smile Blvd Dental. Talk to board-certified dentists at your appointment in our Richardson, TX office to help you decide if dental sealants are right for you or your family.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR DENTAL SEALANTS
During your exam, Our Richardson dentist will determine if dental sealants are the right treatment for you. Ideal candidates for sealants are patients who are prone to developing cavities. In many cases, dental sealants are suggested for young children and teenagers who may not have regular teeth brushing habits. It is recommended that sealants be placed as soon as molars and pre-molars have fully erupted. The sealant creates a barrier in the grooves of the teeth, effectively sealing out tooth decay. While many insurance plans only cover sealants for younger patients, adults with deep grooves can absolutely benefit from dental sealants as well. At a fraction of the cost of a filling, dental sealants just make good preventive sense. Sealant application is a simple, fast treatment that typically doesn’t need sedation or anesthesia, making it a great procedure for patients of any age.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM DENTAL SEALANTS
During your consult, Our Richardson dentist will first examine your teeth to decide if dental sealants are the right treatment for you. Sealants are easy to apply and don’t require numbing, so there is no downtime following the procedure. Before the application, we will clean and polish to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria. Next, the tooth is dried, a cleaning gel is applied to the surface to be sealed. After washing and drying the tooth again, the sealant is applied with a small brush and cured using a special light. After the application is set, we may polish the dental sealant so it is smooth. Patients and their parents/caregivers will be advised to avoid sticky foods or candies that might possibly pull the sealants off the tooth
DENTAL SEALANT FOLLOW-UP
After your procedure, you will be free to resume your normal routine. It’s important for you to develop a good oral hygiene plan, including brushing your teeth two times a day, using mouthwash, and flossing. You should try to avoid putting heavy pressure on your back teeth or consuming foods that are sticky. At each regular checkup appointment, our hygienist will check the sealants to see if they are intact. The sealant is bright white, so it is easy for a parent to check their child’s sealants periodically. If a sealant does come out, simply call Smile Blvd Dental to have it replaced as soon as possible. With proper care, dental sealants can be long-lasting. While not the norm, we have seen some sealants last up to 20 years! At your annual exams, we will assess the condition of your sealants and decide if they should be applied again.
DENTAL SEALANTS
You and your family may benefit from sealants to maintain your general dental health. They are a great way to avoid more extensive procedures, such as fillings for cavities. A relatively quick and easy procedure, dental sealants can help your family experience easier dental exams and better overall oral health. To get more information about sealants, contact our dental office in Richardson, TX to schedule an appointment.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment and many insurance companies pay for some or all of the cost in younger patients. Coverage can vary, particularly in adults, so our office will figure out your exact coverage by contacting your insurance company. Smile Blvd Dental takes many different methods of payment and we can assist you with finding dental financing.
