Dental Sealants To Prevent Cavities

Dental Sealants

It's no secret that preventing dental problems from developing is the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Even with good oral hygiene habits at home, oral health concerns such as cavities are common in individuals of all ages. Because of this, it's helpful to take extra precautions to protect the health of your teeth. At Ryba Dentistry, our trusted dental team can help everyone in your home maintain strong, cavity-free smiles with the help of dental sealants for your teeth. Before scheduling your next routine check-up, here's what you should know about how tooth sealants could benefit you and your family.

Overview of Tooth Sealants

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings painted over the deepest grooves on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They are a quick and inexpensive way to prevent cavities by sealing off the most common route for bacteria to penetrate the enamel and cause decay. Dental sealants to prevent cavities can be an appropriate option for patients of all ages; however, they tend to be most effective at preventing decay if they are applied as the permanent teeth are erupting into place. For this reason, dental sealant treatments are most often applied to for kids as their 6-year and 12-year permanent molars grow into place.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Having dental sealants applied to your permanent teeth is a fast, convenient, painless process. Because of this, many patients have it done during their regular dental exams. If you choose to have dental sealants applied to prevent cavities at Ryba Dentistry, here's what will happen:

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  • The dentist or hygienist will make sure the surface of your teeth is dry. 

  • Then, they paint an etching gel onyour teeth where the sealants will go.

  • After cleaning and drying your teeth once more, the dentist will paint the dental sealant on your teeth.

  • An LED light will be used for about 30 seconds to cause the sealant to harden.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can benefit anyone but are particularly helpful for people who are more likely to develop tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene habits, including children and people with disabilities. They are quick, affordable, painless, and virtually invisible, making them a great preventative dental treatment for everyone in your family.

How Do You Care for Dental Sealants?

Keeping your dental sealants in good condition is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. The best way to care for dental sealants is to brush and floss your teeth every day and visit Ryba Dentistry every six months for regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Taking proper care of your dental sealants can help them last decades, and for some, a lifetime.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Dental sealants are inexpensive, even without insurance.  For patients with insurance, tooth sealants are often covered 100% by the insurance carrier within certain age limitations. Please contact our office during business hours to learn more about what your dental insurance plan includes.

Ryba Dentistry: The Best Choice for Dental Sealants

Maintaining strong teeth and gums is one of the most important steps you can take to live a healthy, happy life. To help your teeth stay in tip-top shape, or to protect your children's young smiles, dental sealants can help. The friendly team at Ryba Dentistry is eager to show you how simple and convenient caring for your smile can be. Contact us today to schedule a routine dental check-up for everyone in your family and learn more about how dental sealants could benefit you and your little ones. We can't wait to give your family a reason to smile!