ALRIGHT, WE KNOW…THE TOPIC OF “DENTAL SEALANTS” IS ABOUT AS EXCITING AS IT SOUNDS—but don’t let the boring name fool you. In some cases, this quick and easy procedure is one of the easiest things we can do for you to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Dr. Brei recommends using sealants as preventive dental care for most children. The reason for this is because children have small depressions and grooves in their teeth, making it harder to properly clean them using brushing alone. Sealants can create protection in these small depressions and grooves, which helps keep plaque from forming in those areas. Even though it’s ideal to get sealants as a child, adults are often good candidates for dental sealants too. Sealants are applied during a very short visit in our office. After your teeth are cleaned and prepped, the sealing solution is painted directly on tooth surfaces. Then, a curing light hardens the sealant. After the sealant is hardened you’re on your way—no need to wait to eat or drink. Routine dental checkups will allow Dr. Brei to keep tabs on your sealants, making sure they stay in good condition. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9NoU1NHE0&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0] Because it’s such a valuable preventive care option, many insurance companies cover the cost of sealants. While the procedure takes just minutes, it can last about 10 years, making one application last from childhood well into adulthood. To see if it’s the right time to get sealants for your children or yourself just ask us using our contact form. You can always send us a message on Twitter or Facebook with your questions, or give us a call here in Tucson, Arizona at 520-325-9000.
