Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Dental sealants can be useful in preventing common problems with your teeth, you may wonder if the cost of the treatment is worth it in the long run. You can find out if dental sealants are right for you by speaking with our family dentists in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care. Today on the blog, Tusculum Dental Care shares some information to help you decide if dental sealants are really worth it.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a protective coating placed in the deep grooves of the chewing surface of back teeth to protect against the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. Our general dentists in Jonesborough warn that the sealants are not permanent and could need to be replaced when damaged or if they fall out.
When should you consider sealants?
Children who have lost their baby teeth and have their permanent teeth are excellent candidates for dental sealants. Sealing healthy teeth at a young age can continue to keep them healthy and robust, reducing the risk of developing cavities since children often do not possess the ability to effectively brush their teeth. The Greeneville family dentist near you at Tusculum Dental Care recommends dental sealants for children.
What is the difference between fillings, dental crowns, and dental sealants?
Out of the three treatments, dental sealants are the only ones designed to help prevent the development of cavities. Fillings help stop the progression of an already established cavity. Dental crowns are protective caps that cover damaged teeth and restore functionality. Also, out of the three procedures, dental sealants are often less expensive than treatments for advanced conditions. Sealants are preventive, crowns and fillings are restorative (after the damage has already occurred). Your family dentists in Erwin at Tusculum Dental Care recommend inexpensive dental sealants to prevent costly repairs with fillings and dental crowns in the future.
How much do sealants cost?
There are several factors to consider when inquiring about the cost of dental sealants. From inflation, geographic location, and office overhead, the price for each dental practice could vary. However, depending on your insurance company and coverage, you may pay next to nothing per tooth. Dental insurance carriers often approve of dental sealants because they protect your teeth from potentially expensive procedures. To find out more information about what you may pay out of pocket for dental sealants, contact your Jonesboro dentist at Tusculum Dental Care.
Are dental sealants painful?
Dental sealants are entirely pain-free and do not require a local anesthetic. Sealants can be applied during a regular dental visit and do not require additional time out of school for children or off work for you. When you opt for sealants, your teeth will be cleaned and prepared with a special cleaning agent. Once your tooth is cleaned and dried, etching material is applied to increase the surface area for the sealant to adhere. Again, the tooth is cleaned and dried. Then, the liquid sealant is brushed onto the surface of your tooth. A special curing light hardens the sealant material.
Dental Sealants in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Since children are notorious for not properly brushing their teeth, dental sealants could be a significant investment in your child’s oral health. If you have questions about dental sealants or would like to schedule an appointment to learn more, feel free to contact our board-certified Erwin family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575 or request an appointment online.