What are Dental Sealants?
Dental Sealants are a tooth colored material that fills in the uneven surfaces of a tooth and helps prevents cavities. Because a tooth’s surface naturally contains grooves and small pits, it can be difficult for brushing alone to remove food, bacteria, and plaque. This build-up can lead to cavities. Sealants provide a smoother, shallower surface so brushing is more effective and they provide a barrier between the cavity causing agents and the tooth.
Because sealants are so effective in preventing cavities, they’re often applied to children’s molars (the back teeth) where cavities are likely to occur. As permanent teeth come in, sealants are a great way for pre-teens to prevent cavities too. In fact, adults can benefit from applying sealants as well.
Sealants are a safe, effective, and proven way for everyone to minimize dental cavities.
Patient Success Stories
Video coming soon!
Advantages & Disadvantages of Dental Sealants
Advantages of Sealants
- Sealants are easily applied during a regular hygiene visit.
- With regular brushing, sealants are incredibly effective in preventing cavities.
- When compared to getting a cavity filled, sealants are extremely cost effective.
- Most insurance plans will cover sealants for children and some teens. Check with our front desk to be sure about your coverage.
Disadvantages of Sealants
- Other than the cost (about $50 per tooth), there are no reasons NOT to apply sealants.
- Sealants don’t last forever and may need to be re-applied every 4-6 years.
What to Expect With Dental Sealants
During a regularly scheduled hygiene appointment, your hygienist Erin or Tricia, may mention the benefits of sealants. Applying sealants to teeth is fast and easy. Here’s the process we follow:
- Have a regular dental cleaning and check-up to make sure there are no existing cavities.
- Dr. Krusich or Susan will dry each tooth to make sure there is no saliva on the tooth’s surface.
- They will lightly etch the surface of the tooth to ensure a good bond.
- Dr. Krusich or Susan will paint on a colored plastic filling on each tooth’s surface. It takes just a few minutes per tooth.
- The sealant is harden and you’re all set.
- Upon each dental visit, your hygienist will inspect the sealant to determine if it needs to be re-applied.
Insurance and Dental Sealants
Dental sealants cost about $50 per tooth. Our experience is that sealants typically are covered under most insurance plans for children and teens up to a certain age. We take all the major dental insurance providers (Delta Dental, Aetna, Met Life, and Cigna), but it’s best to speak with Becky, Dr. Krusich’s insurance coordinator, located at the front desk to see if your plan offers coverage or not. We don’t want you to have any surprises.
If your insurance provider doesn’t cover sealants, Dr. Krusich does accept Visa, MasterCard, and personal checks.
Next Steps
During your next hygiene appointment, ask your hygienist, Tricia or Erin, about sealants. They’re a great, inexpensive way, to prevent cavities. Call 913-383-2600 to schedule your appointment in our Overland Park, KS office today.
