Dental Sealants

I used to work for a dentist that reccomended sealants. My teeth have always been in pretty good shape, but I have had cavities in my molars, and never had sealants.

My son just had his molars sealed. It took about 30 seconds and they are dry immediately. He was extremly well behaved at the visit and was not uncomfortable at all. I have seen sealants work for patients and I'd rather be safe than sorry, cavities can be expensive and painful so I'd rather not take a chance.
Just my 2 cents!

Sealants aren't really necessary if your kids are scupulous about dental hygiene. But since most kids aren't, it's a good insurance policy against poor brushing, especially during the teen years when they get braces. It's not a substitute for brushing. I think of it as a "clear-coat" like what I'd use on my hardwood floors to keep them in better shape.

Your kids will have these teeth for the rest of their lives. It's worth the money and most dental insurance plans cover the cost because it does reduce the # of cavities.

I think it would depend on the child's teeth. I had sealants on my teeth because the grooves of the molars were so deep it was hard to brush. I was on the verge of periodontal disease at the time, and now have zero problems or cavities. So it was worth it for me.

If you feel your dentist is just trying to get more $$ from you, then take him to another dentist for a second opinion.

But if you can afford the cost (insurance may not cover it), it can only help. I am assuming these are permanent teeth, right? I wouldn't seal them if they are going to fall out in a couple of years anyway. :)

D., my parents had me and both of my brothers molars sealed. My dad had a huge fear of the dentist due to being a Navy Brat and he had some horrible experiences. he wanted to make sure that he could do everything in his power to not let us have that same anxiety.

I am 33 and have never had a cavity...my brothers haven't either. We love candy, sweets, etc. and still have never had one.

I will DEFINITELY be getting my kids teeth sealed...it is a great thing!!!

I had my teeth sealed when I was about 9. Prior to sealant, I had several cavities but none after. It is quick and painless and seems to work wonders.

My children are teenagers now and have had sealants done over the years. It has kept them from teeth rotting and is definitely a very good preventative for your son's teeth. It is a very short process and is harmless.

I spoke with our dentist about my 6 year old getting sealants (he has had four cavities already). He said they couldn't do it until his 6 or 7 year molars came in. I am anxiously waiting for that day. I had sealants on my teeth about 5 years ago and have had no trouble with those teeth. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I have sealants and they have worked pretty well for me. I do know that is does work but I do not know what the going rate is as I had mine done a long time ago. My dentist suggested in because I have very deep grooves in my molars that could easily get food particle stuck and then and thus get cavities. I think they do sealants more with kids than adults but anyone can get them really. Did the dentist give you a reason why they were suggesting them?

As a former dental assistant my thought is get it done. Your insurance should pay as it is preventative maintance. Make sure you keep up with the check ups after that. Sometimes the sealants do crack and peel off but not that often. It is well worth the money if the insurance doesn't cover it. I wish they had this when I was growing up. My grandaughter is getting them and she is 3 yrs. old.

I have a 13 yr old daughter and she has sealants on her teeth. We just finished the last 4 molars. All of her permanent teeth are sealed. She has never had a cavity. We did not do sealants so she could lax on her dental care. She is very good about routine care.

I have friends with children now in college that swear by the sealants.

Personally, I would not think twice about it and get it done. It is not painful. They just dry the tooth, "paint" the tooth with sealant and dry it. It is quick and easy. We were out of the dentist office in less than 30 minutes with 4 sealants.

Think of the real pain plus pain in your pocketbook if you just cap all the teeth. Crowns and caps are not cheap. If you think moneywise....the sealant is a good investment to prevent pain and spending more money than necessary on your child's teeth. Just my opinion.

My insurance company must see this as beneficial because they cover 100% of the costs. I paid $51/tooth and I was reimbursed in full.

Susan

I took my 5 yr. old son just last week to have his done. I think it is a good thing. My husband had his done as a kid and he never got cavitites. I didn't have it done as a kid and I get cavities all the time. I take very good care of my teeth- way better than my husband, yet I have issues with mine!

My hubby nor I have selants. My mother use to be a dental assistant. And she always told me that this was a dentist upcharge. My two kids will not get them either. They have tried to sell them to me for my 9 yro. We are in our 30's and I have never had a cavity, nor my hubby. I just think its not a neccecity per the advise of my mother!! HAHA! So I think its just any ones opinion. We take great care of our children's teeth. And if they do get cavitys in their molars they can just cap them, like when anyone else gets a cavity. I just don't see the point in the selant?

My daughter is now 12 and she has not seen a cavity on the molars that have dental sealants. Your dentist is right. It does prevent cavities and most insurance companies now cover them 100%. I'd say definately do it.

Good luck