Dental Sealants SHERMAN OAKS
Dental Sealant services offered in Sherman Oaks, San Fernando Valley, CA
Who Should You Get Sealants?
How Are Sealants Applied?
- First, the teeth which need to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
- Each and every tooth is then dried, after which cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, this helps the sealant bond to the teeth
- Sealant is then universally painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. At times a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden
- The teeth are then rinsed and dried gently.
Can Sealants Be Placed Over The Cavities?
Long-term benefits
If the dental sealants Sherman oaks application technique is perfect, it can last a lifetime. More often than not, though, they do need to be replaced. As soon as your child is getting new teeth in with grooves called ‘pits and fissures’ like premolars and molars, it is suggested to get them sealed once they have erupted. This usually happens at 6, 12, and 18 years of age. Baby teeth or primary teeth can be sealed, but the child should be big enough to tolerate the painless procedure, as it involves being able to hold their mouth open and not move for a few minutes. Usually, younger teeth are treated only on those with an increased risk of tooth decay.
It is recommended to get individual advice on when to seal from your dental team. You can seal any vulnerable surfaces, but retention is best in the pits and fissures. Adults are also benefited from sealants. With age, the exposure to decay increases, and the protective quality and biochemistry of saliva changes with certain medications over time. So adults are also candidates for this treatment. But if restoration or implant is done, then that tooth will not benefit from a sealant.
The Advantage of Dental Sealents
- They help to fight tooth decay
- The procedure is painless and quick
- They improve the oral hygiene
- They are cheaper than dental fillings
- They are very safe to use
The Disadvantages of Dental Sealants
- They are not much durable – in 10 years or less, you have to replace them.
- They cannot be placed over dental fillings or decayed teeth.
- Dental Sealants are not for everyone
- They can seal in dental decay only if your teeth are not properly examined, sealants can seal in acids in a decayed tooth, resulting in more harm than good.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
The lifespan of Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants Cost
The cost of dental sealants Sherman Oaks is not much. Dental insurance may often cover the cost of dental sealants, however, this is dependent on the level of insurance you have. Check with your dentist about the advantages of sealants for your particular situation, and the out-of-pocket costs. Many companies cover the cost of sealants but usually only for patients younger than 18 years. It is suggested to check with your dental insurance company to determine if sealants are covered under your plan.