Dental Sealants at Farmington Family Dental
Hi, this is Dr. Perry from Farmington Family Dental. Today I want to answer some commonly asked questions about dental sealants. What are they and why?
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a plastic or tooth-colored filling that's placed over the top of a groove on a tooth to seal it off. It's similar to putting caulk in your kitchen next to the sink where the sink meets the counter to prevent anything from getting in there. We do the same thing for a tooth to help protect it. That's a sealant.
How do dental sealants work?
Dental sealants work by keeping food out and away from the tooth so it can't get packed into the grooves and nooks of the tooth. This helps keep the tooth cleaner and prevents bacteria from reaching the tooth surface, thus avoiding cavities.
What are the different types of dental sealants?
There are two main types of dental sealants, each made from different materials. One is a plastic material that bonds onto the tooth, and the other is a glass ionomer type. The glass ionomer is easier to apply and more moisture tolerant. In our office, we exclusively use the plastic type.
How are dental sealants applied to teeth?
First, we clean the tooth. Usually, a tooth with a sealant has a groove that's catchy or rough. We need to clean out all food, bacteria, and plaque. After cleaning, we condition the tooth's surface for bonding the sealant. Then we dry it well, apply the sealant, and use a light to cure and harden it. Before you leave, I use an explorer to check that the grooves are smooth and the sealant is secure. If it's not bonded well, I'll redo it. By the time you leave, you have a high-quality sealant that feels great when you bite.
How soon can I brush my teeth after getting a dental sealant?
You don't need to wait to brush or eat after getting a dental sealant. The material hardens instantly. This is an advantage of plastic sealants over glass ionomer, where you have to wait 30 minutes or an hour before eating.
How long do dental sealants protect teeth?
As long as the sealant stays on the tooth, it helps protect it. That's why I want to see you every six months to check on the sealants. If they've chipped or cracked, sometimes we leave them off, other times we reapply them, depending on your age and tooth development.
Can dental sealants help prevent sensitive teeth?
Dental sealants might help with sensitive teeth, but it's not something I've commonly heard about. It could be possible, but I don't have specific evidence for that.
Can you get a dental sealant if you have fillings or tooth decay?
If there's decay in the area for the sealant, you need a filling instead. I wish we could have applied a sealant before it needed a filling. If the filling is in another part of the tooth, you can still get a sealant. If there's a filling where we would normally place a sealant, there's no need for a sealant over the top since it's the same material.
How much does it cost to get a dental sealant applied to my teeth?
The cost is cheaper than a filling, which is our goal—to prevent the need for fillings. As of today, it's around $150 to $170, which is quite a bit less than fillings that start around $200 to $250. Sealants are better for the tooth and help keep it in your mouth longer, similar to using Armor All on a truck.
How can I schedule an appointment to have a dental sealant applied to my teeth?
At Farmington Family Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (573) 637-4404 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.