Dental Sealants in Columbia, MD
Veneers on front upper teeth
Preventive dentistry consists of our dentist providing routine dental screenings to check the health of your gums and teeth. You may also take additional measures, such as using a dental sealant. This is especially beneficial for children who don’t have the optimal brushing skills and are prone to caries.
Our dentist near you, serving Columbia and the nearby region, we help patients optimize their dental health by providing preventive treatments like dental sealants. They’re that added bit of protection that can preserve teeth for years to come.
What Are Dental Sealants in Columbia?
Dental sealants in Columbia are a type of preventive dental procedure that consists of adding a coating of dental-grade plastic over your teeth. It hinders bacteria and acid from harming your enamel by acting as a shield. The sealant is a liquid that gets into the depressions of your teeth and protects the entire tooth. The process of receiving a dental sealant is painless and quick.
Generally, dental sealants last up to 10 years. A dentist near you will need to check the sealed teeth regularly to ensure the sealant hasn’t worn or chipped off.
These are highly recommended for children and teens, especially on their premolars and molars. Additionally, our dentist advises adults who don’t have caries to protect their teeth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants have the ability to prevent up to 80 percent of cavities on the back teeth. These teeth are prone to cavities, considering nine out of 10 caries occur in these teeth.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Sealants in Columbia?
If you’re looking for dental sealants in Columbia, you may need to pay for them out of your pocket. The insurance companies usually cover them for children and teens only. Sometimes, they won’t cover them at all since they’re not a necessary procedure. Either you or someone from our office will need to contact your insurance company to find out specifics.
Book an appointment with Model Dental Clinic, serving Columbia and the surrounding region, today to discuss the benefits of dental sealants for you or your child.
FAQs
In some cases, yes. Sealants may be appropriate for certain early, noncavitated areas of decay because they can help stop or slow the progression of the lesion. Your dentist will examine the tooth first to determine whether a sealant or another treatment is appropriate.
You may notice a slightly different texture on the chewing surfaces immediately after placement, but sealants are designed to be thin. They should not significantly change your bite. If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable afterward, let your dentist know so the sealant can be checked.
Dental sealants are often suggested for kids and adolescents, but adults can also gain advantages, particularly if they have deep grooves or pits that are tough to keep clean. Your dentist can assess your individual cavity risk and determine whether dental sealants are appropriate.
Yes. Sealants can gradually wear or become damaged, especially on teeth exposed to regular chewing forces. During routine dental visits, your dentist can check whether the sealants remain intact and determine if any areas need repair or replacement.
No. Sealants provide an additional protective barrier over the grooves of certain teeth, but they do not replace daily oral hygiene. Brushing (2 times) every day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks, and having regular dental visits are still important for preventing cavities.
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