7 Questions about Dental Sealants — Answered!

Dental cavities are one of the most common conditions to afflict both children and adults. That is sad because cavities are largely preventable! One measure your dentist may recommend to protect your little one’s smile is dental sealants. Would you like to learn more about this preventive service? Continue reading to discover answers to some common questions.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that a dentist or a member of their team places on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Specifically, sealants are recommended for molars and premolars. They prevent food particles from getting stuck on the teeth and leading to decay.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are beneficial for virtually all children. They are usually placed on the permanent teeth as they erupt, so your child might start receiving sealants around age 6 or so.

Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?

Sealants are a preventive measure, so they are not meant to repair existing cavities. If your child has a cavity, they may need a filling before a sealant can be placed. However, if there are very early signs of tooth decay, it might be possible to place a sealant right away.

Do Dental Sealants Contain BPA?

Yes, dental sealants contain a very small amount of BPA. However, they do not contain enough to pose a threat to your child’s health. In fact, you get exposed to more BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics, or coming into contact with common dust!

Do Dental Sealants Cause Pain?

The dental sealant process is fast and painless. A dentist or hygienist simply cleans and dries each tooth, applies a mild acidic gel to roughen up the tooth’s surface, places the sealant, and then uses a special light to harden it. The process is so easy that no local anesthesia is even required!

Once the sealants are in place, your child might notice that their teeth feel slightly different. However, no real discomfort or pain should be present.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

It is common for sealants to provide several years of cavity protection. Your child’s dentist will keep an eye on their sealants and recommend that they be replaced when necessary.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?

Some dental plans cover sealants for children under the age of 18. You can check with your insurance company to learn how your policy might apply.

Meet the Practice

Our Grayslake pediatric dental practice is proud to be home to four talented, skilled dentists. We love supporting the health and wellness of young smiles, so we often recommend sealants for kids who are starting to get their permanent teeth. If you have questions about this treatment or the other services we offer, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 847-223-1400.