How Much Does Dental Sealants Cost in Miami, Florida

Dental sealants refer to thin coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars (or the back teeth). Essentially, they are a preventative measure designed to stop the formation of cavities or tooth decay. They are safe, effective, and can protect your teeth for many years. As a bonus, they are also quick, easy, and painless to do. It is just a matter of preparing the teeth, painting the sealant material onto the surface, and setting the sealant with light.

Dental sealants are nothing new. In fact, they have been around since the 1970s. Unfortunately, they are still underutilized. In the United States, for example, less than half of children and adolescents have dental sealants on permanent teeth. This is worrying; after all, with dental sealants, you can avoid not only tooth decay and tooth loss, but also costly dental treatments.

Are you thinking about getting dental sealants? Are you worried about the expenses? Don’t worry; we are here to help. This article contains everything you need to know about the costs of dental sealants in Miami, Florida.

Why Do You Need Dental Sealants?

Even with the advent of advanced dental procedures, tooth decay – also known as “cavities” or “dental caries” – remains a common problem today. In the United States alone, recent data reveals that 25.9% of adults aged between 20 and 44 years are suffering from untreated dental caries. At 13.2%, the figures are slightly lower for children and young adults – but still a cause for concern.

If left unaddressed, cavities can lead to bacterial infections (also called a “tooth abscess”), as well as destroy the inside of the tooth. Both of these will require more extensive – and, naturally, more expensive – dental treatment. In worse cases, the affected tooth may need to be removed.

This is where dental sealants can help. They can prevent around 80% of tooth decay in the back teeth, which is where 9 out of 10 cavities will occur. Essentially, they fill the tiny grooves of your back teeth (also referred to as “fissures”), making the chewing surfaces much easier to clean and less likely to accumulate plaque and bacteria. This prevents the enamel or the tooth surface from being damaged, stopping decay and cavities before they even start.

Both children and adults will benefit from this treatment. However, it is best to get it at an early age. The earlier, the better. Typically, children should get dental sealants as soon as their permanent molar teeth emerge.

Related Article: What Causes Gum Disease and How to Prevent or Treat

What Are the Costs of Dental Sealants in Miami, Florida?

Dental sealants are one of the more affordable dental procedures. In Miami, Florida, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 for each tooth. However, this is only a ballpark estimate, and a few factors may come into play. As always, the best way to know the precise costs is to consult a trusted dentist near you.

Furthermore, keep in mind that dental sealants will lose some efficacy over time, which means that they will require replacements. In general, they can still work for up to nine years after placement, although dentists often recommend using them only up to the fourth year, when they remain capable of protecting against 50% of dental caries.

What Factors Affect the Costs of Dental Sealants in Miami, Florida?

Like any other dental procedure, several factors contribute to the overall cost of dental sealants. By and large, it all boils down to the location of your clinic and the expertise of your dentist.

If you live in a metropolitan city or an area with a high cost of living, the costs may be much higher than usual. Aside from this, the skills, expertise, and reputation of your dentist may also play a role. Of course, the more in-demand and the more experienced they are, the more they will charge for their services.

How Do You Pay for Out-of-Pocket Dental Sealant Costs?

Dental sealants are a preventive measure and are meant to prevent the formation of cavities. Hence, they are typically covered by dental insurance. But to be sure, it is always a good idea to consult your insurance provider or have your dentist review your dental coverage plan. Make sure to clarify everything before booking your treatment.

If you do not have dental insurance or the treatment is not covered by your provider, we recommend choosing dental clinics with flexible payment options. Some may even accept credit card treatment. Fortunately, dental sealants are relatively affordable, so the out-of-pocket costs usually won’t break the bank.

As mentioned earlier, dental sealants are not permanent and will need to be replaced after a few years. To maximize and prolong their lifespan, having good dental habits is the way to go. This way, you won’t have to get new dental sealants earlier than expected. As a bonus, promoting good dental care in children will also go a long way, laying the foundations for excellent oral health even well into adulthood.

Related Article: Why Dental Care Is Important For Your Health

Say Goodbye to Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are gaining more traction during the past few years – and unsurprisingly so. After all, they are a safe and effective dental intervention. More specifically, sealants can stop tooth decay in its tracks. As you may know, it can result in infections or even tooth loss when left untreated. Aside from saving your teeth, sealants can also spare you from expensive and complicated dental procedures.

You will be glad to know that dental sealants won’t burn a hole in your wallet. In fact, they can cost as little as $30 per tooth. Even better, dental insurance companies and coverage plans typically cover this procedure, helping reduce or even eliminate the out-of-pocket costs.

For a more accurate estimate of the costs, talking with your dentist is still the best way to go. Contact ADW Center and schedule a dental consultation today.