Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a clear, plastic coating we paint onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. As the name suggests, they seal out plaque and food particles so it’s easier to brush your teeth.

Dental sealants reduce your risk of cavities by 80% in back teeth. This is especially important if you have back teeth with deep grooves and divots where plaque can hide.

Here’s what else you need to know about the sealant procedure.

Candidates for Dental Sealants

While we typically recommend sealants for children, there’s no age restriction on the procedure. Patients of all ages can get dental sealants. But we tend to recommend sealants for children since they have a higher risk of cavities than adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children aged 6 to 11 are about three times more likely to get cavities if they don’t have sealants.

What to Expect

It only takes one appointment to get dental sealants. In fact, depending on our schedule, we may be able to fit the procedure into your routine teeth cleaning with us. The sealant procedure is fast and painless.

First, we’ll need to isolate the molars from the rest of your mouth. That way, the back teeth are kept clean and dry during the procedure. Once we isolate the teeth, we’ll roughen the chewing surfaces with an acid. Then, we’ll paint on the sealant and cure it in place with a special light.

Before your appointment, be sure to double-check your dental insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually cover dental sealants for children but not for adults. Checking your policy can help you avoid any surprise out-of-pocket expenses.

Aftercare

Please keep in mind that dental sealants are not a replacement for practicing good oral hygiene. You’ll still need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to maintain a healthy smile. But you’ll have an easier time avoiding cavities when you’re able to clean every surface of your teeth.

Your dental sealants may last up to 10 years if you practice good oral hygiene. But you’ll need to continue seeing our dentist for preventive care. During your routine visits, Dr. Jones will check your sealants and touch them up as needed so they continue to protect your teeth.

Learn More About Dental Sealants

Ready to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Muskegon, MI? Please call the dental office of Bruce Jones DDS at (231) 780-5158. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.