Pit and Fissure Sealants
Also called: Preventative sealants, dental sealant
Dental pit and fissure sealants are a precautionary treatment. This thin plastic coating fills in the crevices and tiny indentations that naturally occur in teeth and eliminate places for bacteria to breed.
Your dental professional may suggest pit and fissure sealants for your back teeth. These teeth frequently have deep grooves or pits that can be filled easily with sealants. Dental sealants will last for years.
How are sealants applied?
Your teeth will be cleaned. The dentist or dental hygienist will apply a solution to the tooth, which must first dry. This allows the sealant to bond strongly with the tooth’s enamel. The sealant is then applied and allowed to dry and set. A special light may be used to help the sealant dry. The entire process only takes a few minutes.
After the procedure
After the sealant has dried, you or your child will be able to eat or drink as normal.
Available Practices
The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.
Student Dental Clinic
Services at this clinic are performed at reduced prices because students are working under the supervision of board-certified dentists on faculty. The educational nature of the clinic requires extra time for appointments and the types of services offered depends on the training needed by students at that time.
Average Cost: 60 - 70% less than private practice
Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments
Education: Dental students under the guidance of faculty dentists
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene students, supervised by faculty and clinic supervisors, perform periodontal assessments, comprehensive dental exams, oral cancer screenings, and tobacco cessation and nutritional counseling.
Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice
Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments
Education: Hygiene students under the guidance of faculty hygienists and dentists