Seal the Deal with Dental Sealants in Bellevue

Many people have deep pits and grooves in their teeth where bacteria and food particles can hide and cause decay. Through no fault of your own, you may be more susceptible to developing decay in these grooves.

Children with poor brushing habits are the most prone to develop decay on hard-to-reach molars. For situations like these, dental sealants in Bellevue offer a means of protecting molar and premolar chewing surfaces from decay. Recognized by the American Dental Association as a key means of cavity prevention, dental sealants consist of a thin plastic film that is applied to teeth in these pits and grooves.

To apply a sealant, Bellevue dentists first thoroughly prepare your teeth with a cleaning and etching solution. After about 15-30 seconds, we thoroughly rinse the solution off, dry the surface, apply the sealant, and harden it with a curing light. The entire procedure is fast, easy, and comfortable. It takes about 30 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to seal.

Dental sealants in Bellevue create an impenetrable physical barrier for small food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, making them highly effective in preventing tooth surface decay and the resulting cavities. Sealants can last up to ten years. Most insurance companies cover sealant procedures for children, but not always for adults. The good news is that insurance companies seem to be recognizing this technique’s value as a preventive measure that will help reduce future dental costs and more aggressive treatments.