Share of Cost – A safe and effective way to prevent cavities in kids is by having dental sealants.
What is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids. It is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities in kids. Dental sealants are usually applied to permanent molars when they come in, around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars.
By going to a dentist, a dentist would be able to put on dental sealants to help protect your children’s teeth. However, even knowing this, only about one-third of children ages 6 – 19 have sealants. Cost can be a factor; dental insurance can help control the cost of dental sealants. Many dental insurance plans cover sealants as part of preventive care. You may not have to pay anything out of pocket for the procedure. Without insurance, the cost of dental sealants can vary depending on the dentist and the region where you live. However, the cost of sealants is generally much less than that of treating a cavity. So, having dental insurance and a plan that covers sealants can help many people and their families afford this preventive dental treatment.