Dental Sealants 101: Benefits, Risks, and Costs
Dental sealants are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your teeth from cavities and other dental issues.
Sealants are clear plastic coatings that dentists apply to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems in adults and children ages 7 and up.
Here’s everything you need to know about dental sealants, including how they work, how much they cost, and more!
Benefits
A major advantage of dental sealants is that they are virtually invisible, which means you can’t see them or feel them while eating. This is a huge plus, as it means that they feel natural. Essentially, that is the gold standard of all oral care: making it feel as close as possible to the original. And in reality, these are in fact as close as possible to the original. Additionally, sealants help improve your overall oral health. In addition to keeping teeth stronger and more resistant to tooth decay, sealant treatments make it much easier for dentists and hygienists to prevent decay, as studies show that the use of sealants can cut tooth decay in half.
After about three years, some sealant treatments need re-applying, and others last longer than five years with regular brushing and flossing. The type of sealant you choose will depend on how often you brush your teeth and other factors like what kind of food you like eating. Your oral specialist will have all the information you need so the best choice can be made.
Risks
There is a very small chance that a sealant can chip or crack off while you’re eating. These sealants are made of plastic and bonded with a resin, so it’s not likely, but if you do end up swallowing any particles from your sealant, there is a possibility that they could get stuck in your esophagus. Therefore, some level of caution should be exercised.
Most people have no problems with dental sealants. But it’s worth noting that your dentist may need to adjust what and how much food you eat during treatment. This should be temporary (as soon as 24 hours after getting your treatment). And it won’t affect what or how much food you can eat permanently afterward.
Cost
For adults, dental sealants are usually placed after a dentist or hygienist has cleaned your teeth. Treatment typically lasts about 15 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The entire procedure is non-invasive. The total cost will vary from one clinic to another, but basic sealant treatment averages around $180 per tooth.
That’s just an average. Though, the final cost may be higher or lower depending on which services you need and where you live.
Due to their ability to prevent future issues with your teeth, dental sealants may be the perfect solution for you. Should you have further questions, or for any dental inquiries, contact your dentist today. We are on-hand to answer any questions and set you towards oral health.