Taking care of your teeth can be expensive — there's a reason Americans spend over $150 billion on dental services every year. With a number like that, it's worth looking into every possible way to avoid even more costly dental problems down the line.
One of the most overlooked and underrated preventative measures at your disposal is dental sealants.
Our patients at Lifetime Dental in Woodbridge, Virginia, area have sidestepped the costs and consequences of common oral health problems with the help of dental sealants, but these preventive wonders remain one of the dental world’s best-kept secrets.
So, our team is peeling back the curtain and highlighting how versatile and powerful dental sealants can be in keeping costly dental health issues away.
Dental sealants are thin coatings that are applied the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars — the teeth in the back of your mouth. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that even the most diligent brushing and flossing can’t always clean properly. Because of this, your molars and premolars are much more susceptible to decay.
Sealants become the barrier between your tooth and bacteria, food particles, and other debris.
Applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, we clean and dry your teeth. Then, we carefully apply an acidic solution to your teeth to roughen the surface so the sealant can bond. Once your teeth are dry and resurfaced, we paint on the sealant and harden it with a special light. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth.
Bonus: We are one of the few dentists who use sealants made from a customized material that matches the shade of your other teeth.
Dental sealants are money savers because they prevent cavities from forming. In fact, they can reduce the risk of cavities in the protected teeth by up to 80%.
If left untreated, cavities become more serious dental issues like root canals and extractions, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Even a simple cavity filling can cost up to $600 without insurance. Investing in dental sealants can save money in the long run by helping you avoid these more extensive treatments. And, with proper care, they can protect your teeth for up to 10 years.
Children and teenagers benefit the most from sealants, as their teeth are more susceptible to decay. However, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have a history of cavities or difficulty cleaning their back teeth.
Talk to us about your and your family's risk for costly oral health problems, and we can discuss if sealants are right for you. Call or click to schedule an appointment with us today.