Do you have questions about dental sealants? If you’ve answered yes, then take care to read this article. Here, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides his patients with an FAQ to answer any questions surrounding dental sealants.
Answers to Your Dental Sealants’ Questions
Q1: What is a dental sealant?
A1: A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of teeth. Placing sealants is painless and provides extra protection against tooth decay. Should you choose to receive dental sealants, the dentist simply paints the coating directly onto your teeth and allows them to dry.
Q2: Do sealants work only on children?
A2: Many dentists recommend that children receive sealants around age five or six on their permanent molars. Since those biting surfaces prove difficult to clean, placing the sealant adds a bit of extra cavity protection to avoid childhood tooth decay.
That being said, sealants haven’t been deemed exclusively for children. In fact, any patient can request the placement of sealants during their dental appointments.
Q3: Which teeth can utilize sealants?
A3: As aforementioned, first and second molars prove the most difficult to clean. This is because those hewing surfaces contain many areas where food particles can accumulate with ease. Without the proper cleaning method, those food bits start to breakdown, which allows oral bacteria attack the enamel and cause cavities. For this reason, your Livonia dentist typically places sealants upon back teeth.
Q4: Does dental insurance cover dental sealants?
A4: Dental insurance covers preventative care, such as: teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, root canals, and even some extractions, if its been deemed necessary. Since dental sealants help ward off cavity-causing bacteria, insurance should cover the cost. However, you should speak to Dr. Stewart about your individual insurance provider to learn which treatments they’re willing to pay.
Livonia Dentist Completes Preventative Dental Procedures
For more information about dental sealants, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can explain how dental sealants can benefit practically anyone’s smile. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.