Dental Sealants
Even with daily brushing and flossing, it can be difficult for kids to keep the chewing surfaces of their molars clean.
Dental sealants literally seal these teeth, guarding against the accumulation of cavity-causing bacteria and protecting your oral health.
Learn more about how our dentists, Ruth E. Bailey and Kasey R. Sliger, use sealants at our Knoxville, TN, practice to stop tooth decay...
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants act as a very thin protective coating against cavities. Made of a liquid solution, they are painted onto the molars, particularly the deep pits and grooves. The material is typically a type of plastic but sealants can also feature composite resin and other materials that are used in dentistry. Once the dental sealant has been cured with a light or other method, they are virtually unnoticeable to both the patient.
Treatment Benefits A Trusted Preventive Solution
Pain-Free
Receiving sealants at Cosmetic Dentistry of Knoxville is completely painless. The procedure is quick and no anesthesia is necessary. Your dentist will use a tool that is similar to a soft paintbrush to apply the solution.
Affordable
Sealants can keep cavities from developing in the first place. Once tooth decay develops to a certain degree, you will require a dental filling. Fillings and other procedures that treat decay, like crowns and root canals, are both more involved and more expensive than sealants.
Effective
Sealants are a trusted dental solution because they work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children aged 6 to 11 are three times more likely to develop cavities if they don't have sealants placed.
Long-Lasting
Once they are in place, sealants require no special care and can last for years. Just continue practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups so they can ensure the sealant material has not fallen off.
"Best dentist I have ever had." Hear from Our Patients
Coral Turner
2021
This is the best dental office I have ever been too. They don’t try to talk you into a lot of products or unnecessary procedures.
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Melinda Basler
2021
Dr Bailey’s office is always well-organized and professional. I have never had to wait for my appointment. She is the best dentist I have ever had.
View On GoogleJust How Effective Are Sealants?
Are Sealants Only for Kids?
No. Sealants are recommended for anyone who is especially prone to developing cavities. Children often have trouble cleaning their back teeth well. Plus, they often consume sugary drinks and other types of foods that can make them more prone to developing decay. But that doesn't mean adults can't benefit as well. Sealants are a good option for:
- Anyone with a family history of cavities
- People taking medications that reduce saliva production
- People with receding gums since the tooth roots are vulnerable to decay
- Patients who have undergone radiation to treat head or neck cancer
Sealants & Insurance Coverage
This preventative treatment is nearly always covered by insurance for our pediatric patients. Adults, however, might not be covered. Our team can provide more information based on your specific plan.
Set up an Appointment with Us
At Cosmetic Dentistry of Knoxville, Drs. Bailey and Sliger use non-invasive and conservative dental techniques whenever possible. Sealants complement this approach to dentistry since they are an effective way to preserve an entire tooth's healthy structure.
If you are interested in learning more about how sealants can protect your or your child's smile, reach out to us today. You can email our Knoxville, TN, office with questions, request a consultation online, or call us at:
(865) 588-1294
Sealants Can Even Stop the Development of a Cavity
In the earliest stages when enamel initially begins to break down, cavities are referred to as dental caries. Eventually, these lesions will require a dental filling or, in more extreme cases, a dental crown or root canal. Fluoride can also be used to slow the progression of cavities on the back teeth, but a report released by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry found that sealants are more effective. Sealants are not only recommended to prevent cavities but also to slow their development.
"The gold standard in the practice of dentistry" More 5-Star Reviews
Sharon Collins
2021
Dr Bailey has set a standard of quality that, in this day and age, is not often encountered. She, as well as her dental assistant and office staff, are truly, as someone stated so well in their review, the gold standard in the practice of dentistry. I am so thankful to finally have the privilege of being cared for by this wonderful team.
Edward Falls
2021
Dr. Bailey worked me into the schedule when I had a sudden chipped tooth, and fixed it in about ten minutes. It feels as close to how it did before the chipping as you could hope. She also gave me a discount for being a new patient, and everyone on her staff was friendly and considerate. I plan to return to Dr. Bailey for future dental needs, and I would recommend her practice to anyone.
View On GoogleWhat to Expect during Treatment
Receiving sealants is completely painless and quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe patient education is an important part of the treatment process. We are happy to address any concerns you have during your visit. In the meantime, we've provided answers to FAQs we hear in our office.
