Monday, October 8, 2012

Dentist East Cobb: How much do Dental Sealants cost?


About 90% of the decay found in children’s teeth occurs in tooth surfaces with pits and fissures. To solve this problem, dental sealants were developed to act as a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of back (posterior) teeth.

A sealant is a plastic resin material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This material is bonded into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces and acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from attack by plaque and/or acids.

The dentist, hygienist or assistant cleans and dries the teeth to be treated, then paints a thin layer of liquid plastic material on the pits and fissures of the tooth. A blue spectrum natural light is shone on the material for a few seconds to cure the plastic. Some brands of sealants cure chemically.

After curing, the plastic becomes a hard, thin layer covering the treated portions of the tooth. Despite the incredible pressures placed on teeth during chewing each day, dental sealants often remain effective for five years or longer, although sealants do wear naturally and should be checked at regular intervals. If sealants wear or become damaged, they can be repaired or replaced simply by applying new sealant material to the worn or damaged portions.

Children should receive sealants shortly after the eruption of their first permanent molars, around age 6 and again at age 12 when their second molars appear.  While the use in children is more prevalent, sealants can be utilized in treating adults as well.

The average cost of a sealant ranges from $42 to $48 dollars per tooth.  During your child’s regular dental visits, we will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

As a final note, the procedure is absolutely painless.  I know a lot of people still cringe when we talk about dental procedures.

If we can be of service or you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us via email or for a complimentary initial consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620


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