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  • Hilton Head (843) 671-7336
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Se habla Español Book An Appointment
book an Appointment
  • Hilton Head (843) 671-7336
  • Bluffton (843) 757-7336
  • Beaufort (843) 379-5336
  • Aiken (803) 641-1000

Sealants

One of the easiest procedures a dental office can provide to help minimize the risk of tooth decay, specifically in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth, is to place a clear sealant into those deep pits and fissures. This inexpensive and painless procedure involves first cleaning out any debris in the grooves, then cleansing the tooth with a mild etchant, and finally, placing a liquid resin into the grooves. Once this resin hardens, it seals access to the inside of the grooves from sugars and acids which contribute to enamel breakdown, thereby providing an extra layer of protection.

Frequently asked Questions

When is the best time to get sealants on your teeth?

The best time to place a protective barrier on your child’s teeth is right after the permanent molars have erupted into the mouth. Typically, this is around age 6 years old. The second molars generally come in around 12 years of age. These can also be placed on the premolars due to the irregular surfaces on the top of the teeth. In some cases, particularly if your child is prone to decay, we will place them on the baby teeth as well. Because these plastic coatings are made of similar material that is used for composite fillings, they are relatively durable and act like a protective shield protecting the teeth.
This simple procedure can help decrease the chances of your child ever getting a cavity in their adult teeth by as much as 80%! We believe that the best dentistry we can provide would be preventive care so you never need any restorative care! This simple procedure, done properly and maintained over time, can give your child’s teeth the best chances for that to happen!

How long will dental sealants last?

Sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on a few factors. If it is a shallow tooth with minimal grooves and a strong chewing bite, they may last a shorter time. If the tooth has deeper grooves and you don’t chew a lot of hard sticky candies, and don’t have a strong bite or grind your teeth, the dental sealants could last six years or perhaps even longer. The good news is that sealants can be repaired if we see them chipping at one of your routine exams.

Are dental sealants covered by insurance?

We will be happy to check on your particular dental benefits. Most insurances will cover it as a preventive treatment. Since sealants are typically significantly less than the cost of a filling, most dental plans would rather cover the cost of this procedure, rather than waiting for it to turn into a full-blown cavity needing a filling or even needing a crown in the future.
The Coastal Pediatric Dentistry team is committed to making sure your children’s oral care is at the same optimal level that we would provide to our own children. Using dental sealants is one way we encourage healthy oral care. Be sure to ask us about dental sealants at your next visit!