Dental Sealant: Really Work $35/Tooth?

Factual Questions
1

I had sealant put on several of my teeth years ago, but apparently, it’s since worn off, as my dentist, at a recent cleaning, couldn’t find it.

He told me that my teeth, having fairly deep natural patterns, were an “ideal case” for the sealant to protect against cavities. Unfortunately, my insurance only covers this up to age 14, which I am far past.

My dentist has recommended 12 teeth, three on each side and end of my mouth, at $35 a pop. My dental habits and diet, while not the best by any means, has kept me from having any cavities since my baby teeth days. Thus, I turn to you, o repositories of esoteric knowledge, to answer this question: is it really worth paying $420 out of my own pocket for this stuff? Is the protection it gives worth the money I’m gonna shell out?

Hey, if I get good answers, maybe I’ll pile the rest of my medically-related questions on all of you! :wink: Thanks in advance!

2

Gah! You’d think that we English majors would know better than that by now. :stuck_out_tongue:

3

My sister and I were among the first to have this kind of coating applied a long time ago and it has since worn off. I had it re applied and she did not and she’s been crabby about it ever since. It certainly has been worth it to me. It doesn’t make you “bullet proof” so regular brushing and flossing are still needed.

Jois