Dental Sealants
What Are Dental Sealants?
Also known as pit and fissure sealants, dental sealants are materials used on children's back teeth as soon as the adult molars come through. Dental sealants are typically made of plastics, and dentists simply and painlessly paint them on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.
How Can Sealants Benefit Your Child?
Prevent Tooth Decay
It's no secret that kids love sugary snacks and drinks. It's also true that they can have difficulty cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, namely the molars, where sugar commonly causes tooth decay. In addition to encouraging proper brushing and flossing, you can give your child extra protection against decay with sealants. These plastic coatings cover the grooved chewing surfaces of the teeth, where plaque is more likely to develop and cause cavities.
Save Time and Money
Dental sealants cost less than dental fillings, and they are much simpler to place. According to a CDC report, kids without dental sealants are nearly three times as likely to develop first-molar cavities as those who received this effective treatment. You can save your child from the discomfort of a cavity and save your family time and money by choosing to receive dental sealants.
Just how effective are sealants as a cavity prevention tool?
Happy, Healthy Smiles for Your Entire Family Contact Us Today for Treatment
At Verde Pointe Dental Associates, we take pride in our excellent care for patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. With a comprehensive list of restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry services, we are a one-stop dental shop for you and your whole family.
We offer late and weekend appointments to accommodate your busy schedule, and we can plan back-to-back appointments for members of your family to save you time. When it's your turn for treatment, our friendly staff is happy to keep an eye on your children as they do homework or play.
To receive quality dental care from a patient-centered team, request an appointment at our Marietta, GA, practice or call:
(770) 423-4900
"This is the best dental office I have been to." Real Reviews From Our Patients
My family has been coming to this office for several years. The staff is excellent and always polite and professional. We see Dr. Kimmerling and he is the best dentist I have ever had. We don’t ever plan to go anywhere else.
View on GoogleAlways great to walk in and see smiling faces from the front office to the back. Professional and comfortable setting with all of the latest and greatest technology and techniques. So far this is the best dental office I have been to.
View on GoogleHow Long Do Sealants Last?
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With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. The sealant lifespan can be affected by crunchy foods, which can cause chipping and cracking. While dental sealants are a valuable asset in cavity prevention, patients should continue to practice good dental hygiene and come to our Marietta, GA, practice for regular checkups to maintain their oral health.
While sealants have been around since the 1960s, less than half of children and adolescents in the United States have had sealants on their teeth.
Understanding the Potential Risks What You Should Know About BPA and Sealants
We understand that many of our patients might be concerned about sealants and BPA. We provide information on this topic so you can weigh the potential risks and make a decision that's right for you and your children.
What Is BPA?
Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a resin used to make bottles and liners in food cans. BPA is known to be an endocrine disruptor, and there is some evidence that BPA can be harmful to a child's health.
We do not use sealants that contain BPA, but many of them contain compounds that turn into BPA when they come in contact with saliva.
Dental Sealants Safety
Studies have found that BPA exposure is minimal and can be reduced with regular dental hygiene, especially when first applied. This is why our dentists feel the cavity prevention benefits outweigh the risks.
What the ADA Has to Say
The American Dental Association (ADA) fully supports continued research into the safety of BPA in dentistry. Based on current evidence, the ADA does not believe there is a basis for health concerns related to BPA exposure from any dental components or materials.
In our opinion, dental sealants represent less risk to general and dental health than untreated cavities and the need for restorations and extensive dental treatment.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
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Adults can benefit from sealants even if they've never had them applied previously. Maintaining a good dental sealant plan for teenagers and adults is worth the investment. By preventing tooth decay, you can improve your oral health for years to come.
The Sealant Placement Process
Day of Procedure
The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes. You can eat and drink right away after treatment.
"Always made me feel comfortable and taken care of!" Patient-Centered Dental Care in Marietta, GA
I have always had great experiences here. Everyone is considerate and friendly. I used to be terrified of going to the dentist but here they have always made me feel comfortable and taken care of!
View on GoogleHave been a patient of Dr. Kimmerling’s for years. He and the entire team are the best! Highly, highly recommend for any of your dental needs. From the moment you walk in, the front office staff is cheerful. Dr. K and his assistants are the best in the business and the hygienists are awesome!!
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