Are you worried about your child getting cavities in their adult teeth? IF so, you may be considering dental sealants as a way to prevent tooth decay. Here are some common questions about getting dental sealants.

How Old Does A Child Need To Be To Get Dental Sealants?

Many people have a misconception about how old a child needs to be to get dental sealants. You do not need to delay this procedure until they are in their teens or all of their adult teeth come in. It's possible to have dental sealants placed on a tooth as soon as it grows in. While it may not make the most sense to have this procedure done in stages, know that there is not an age limit stopping you from having the procedure done. An adult tooth is the same when it grows in, no matter how old the child is.

That said, there are some benefits to delaying when a child receives dental sealants since they do not last forever. In fact, dental sealants may only last for about 10 years. After that, sealants will naturally wear away on their own. This is why some parents decide to get dental sealants for their child when they are older and start becoming more independent in their brushing and eating habits. You cannot always be there to help your child brush their teeth or make good eating choices during the day, but dental sealants will be there to provide protection against decay.

How Are Sealants Applied?

There will not be any drilling or removal of enamel when applying dental sealants, which makes the entire procedure as pain free as possible. It is very similar to dental bonding, where a resin is applied to the tooth and dried with a special light. It makes the entire procedure very fast and painless for a child, which is always good to hear. The coating applied to the teeth will not be noticeable afterwards, creating a barrier that is practically invisible in all ways to your child.

Are Sealants Covered By Your Insurance?

It is worth asking your dental insurance provider to find out if the procedure is covered. Sealants are designed to be a preventative measure that will prevent decay from happening, which is why some dental insurance providers do cover it. After all, it will save money over the years by needing to treat fewer issues with tooth decay.

For more information, contact a local dental care service, such as Today's Dental Care.