Have you ever wondered…? What are sealants, and why are they necessary? Well, let me share with you what they are and why we at Montgomery Dentistry recommend them.
Sealants are a plastic material bonded to the biting surface in the groves of the tooth. It is an easy procedure that your Dentist or Dental Hygienist can perform with no drilling or local anesthetic involved.
We recommend children start getting sealants when their first permanent molars come in (some may know it as “6 year molars”). We use the material to fill the groves because those areas are very hard to clean. Our toothbrush bristles cannot reach those areas making it a prime target for decay.
Sealants are very necessary in the prevention of tooth decay in children and adults. It can also help save a headache and cost from corrective dental treatment in the future.
What people don’t know is that most dental insurances will cover this procedure at little or no cost to the parents!
How to care for sealants:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Avoid candies and sugars like gum, gummy bears, jolly ranchers, and airheads…. You get the picture!
- Maintain 6 month check up’s.
- Use toothpaste that contains Fluoride.
Bottom line, getting sealants is an easy procedure, it’s often paid for by your insurance, and we highly recommend it.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at 334-279-0760.
Photo Credit: Calvin Merry
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Dr. Jay L. Robertson
