Dental Sealants in South Gate

Dental sealants are an effective way to reduce the risk of cavities, especially in hard-to-clean spaces like the deep grooves and pits on molars (back teeth.) If you live in South Gate, CA, Reza Dental Care can help you or your child protect your teeth with preventative dental sealants.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventative treatment used to protect teeth against cavities and tooth decay. The most common teeth to receive sealants are the molars and pre-molars, as they have deep grooves that are hard to clean with a toothbrush.

Sealants are painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth, where they create a clear barrier against plaque and bacteria that might otherwise cause cavities. This barrier helps to protect the teeth from decay by making the surfaces smoother and easier to clean with a toothbrush.

In addition to protecting against cavities, dental sealants also help to save time and money as they reduce the number of fillings needed because of tooth decay. Dental sealants are an effective form of prevention and are recommended for children and teens. Adults can request dental sealants, too. By having dental sealants applied to your teeth, you can keep your smile healthy and strong for years to come.

When Are Sealants Recommended?

When it comes to protecting your children’s teeth from tooth decay, dental sealants are a great preventive option that should be placed as soon as possible. Sealants are usually placed right after the molars erupt, which typically occurs at around age 6 and age 12. Placing a sealant on these two sets of permanent molars helps protect them before cavities ever have a chance to form. Especially because these hard-to-reach places tend to collect more bacteria than others, making them more cavity prone. This barrier prevents the bacteria from reaching the enamel and causing cavities as your child develops good oral hygiene habits.

It’s important to note that dental sealants are preventative measures and cannot be used over areas of existing tooth decay. The sealant is simply a protective coating over the enamel of the teeth, forming a barrier against bacteria that may cause future cavities. It’s best to be sure your child does not already have cavities before getting a sealant.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

When it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities and tooth decay, one of the most cost-effective preventive measures is dental sealants. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of dental sealants, at least for children and young teens. Without dental insurance, the cost of a dental sealant in South Gate is usually between $30-45, making it a fraction of the cost of a dental filling.

The benefit of using dental sealants is that they can help reduce the risk of future treatment costs associated with tooth decay. Cavities can cause extensive damage to your teeth and require costly treatments such as fillings or root canals. By preventing cavities in the first place with dental sealants, you can save money on future treatment costs, not to mention irreversible dental damage.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of sealants, and the procedure itself is simple and painless. At Reza Dental Care, we will assess your current dental insurance policy to determine if you or your child qualifies for coverage on dental sealants.

What Is the Dental Sealant Procedure Like?

Sealants are a simple and painless procedure that only takes a few minutes per tooth. Depending on how many teeth are being sealed, 2-3 teeth can be sealed at a time. The procedure can be performed after routine cleaning and exam or at a separate visit. Both our South Gate dentist or Registered Dental Hygienist can place the sealants.

First, the tooth is isolated with cotton to prevent any of the materials from contacting the gums, cheeks, lips, or tongue. Then a gentle etching solution is applied to prepare the tooth. After several seconds it’s rinsed away, the tooth is dried, and more cotton is placed to isolate the tooth.

A bonding agent is sometimes applied prior to the sealant. Next, the sealant material is placed on top of the tooth and flows into the deep grooves.

Once the sealant material is placed into all of the grooves and pits of the tooth, a special light is used to harden it and ensure it bonds properly with the tooth enamel. This process typically takes just a matter of seconds.

If additional sealants are needed, the process is repeated on that separate area of the mouth.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

In most cases, sealants can last for up to 10 years or longer, providing long-term protection from tooth decay. Sticky foods can pull sealants off of a tooth, so be sure to avoid especially tacky textures like caramels or toffee. The goal is for the sealant to last as long as necessary for the child to reach adulthood without cavities in those spaces.

The sealant acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay, protecting the teeth from damage and decay for several years. While it is important to brush and floss regularly, the sealant helps keep the harder-to-reach spaces free of food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. That being said, it is still possible to get cavities around the sealant if home care or dietary choices are inadequate for good dental hygiene. Flossing is still required, as sealants do not protect the spaces between teeth.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are often recommended for children, usually after their permanent molars have erupted at around the age of 6 and 12. Because some children get their permanent molars earlier or later than others, this age can vary by a year or so. By getting dental sealants applied, children are less likely to experience cavities and tooth decay as they learn to care for their teeth and make healthy dietary choices.

Sealants in South Gate, CA

Investing in sealants can help your South Gate family reduce the cost and need for dental treatments in the future. Call Reza Dental Care today to learn more.