My dentist is trying to talk me into sealants for the kids.$$$

[tinkarooni]

I'm starting to think that I may have to find a new dentist soon. The dentist himself is nice and seems competent, he remembers your name and chats you up, but than he has the hygienist doing the hard sell. When I had my kids in last week the hygienist said that she was scheduling the kids next appt in 6 months and she was allowing enough time to put sealants on the kids teeth, and by the way, insurance won't cover them. Alrighty than. Once I absorbed all of this information I said to her that I wasn't certain I wanted to do this and I would discuss it with my husband and let them know. She acted like I was practically guilty of child abuse for goodness sake and then proceeded to spend the next ten minutes telling me all the reasons I needed to do this yada yada yada. I very politely but firmly stopped her and told her that I would research this option and let them know what I decided to do.

So I'm internet researching and browsing some websites and looking for advice from people who did this. Did you? Is there a particular reason you did? Was it pricey or did insurance cover yours? And is this the new norm for dentists? Thanks for all your input!

 

[iwrbnd]

We did it on all our kids. Between the 4 kids we've only had a couple minor cavities to fill which is pretty good considering their personal hygiene skills!

 

[Aryn]

My insurance covers sealants so my kids have them. I also got sealants when I was a kid and I have never had a cavity. Not sure if its because of the sealants or good genes I would get them even if they weren't covered because I believe they save you issues down the road.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

My kids have them. They are great. We are cavity prone & they have only had 1 cavity each. Those were before sealnts none after. My insurance covered the older kids but I paid for my younger one and it was well worth it.

 

[annsteere]

We did sealants for our kids permanent teeth. No dental insurance so it was all out of pocket.

I declined to do sealants on their baby teeth.

I recognize that feeling that "they are looking at me like this is child abuse." But our kids werent overly cavity prone and I just couldn't see borrowing the money to protect teeth that were going to fall out in a few years.

Yes, modern dentistry sees this as normative care.

 

[tinkarooni]

Interesting responses already, I had no idea. My brother and I didn't have them and I don't know anyone that does. I only have one cavity.

Happy to hear everybody's answers. Anybody else good or bad feedback?

 

[kellydizfan]

My insurance paid for all 3 kids to get them done. I even have had them done several times as they don't last forever. My kids have never had a cavity in their mouths at all. The sealent is only covering the tops of their molars - in the crevices and not the whole tooth.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Hmm. I'm surprised your insurance won't cover them. Most insurances, I thought, covered these as they look at it more as preventive care. It's less for them to pay preventive care, then having to dish out more for corrective care later on down the line.

Anyways, we don't have kids yet; but I got them and my insurance covered them. Since getting them (18 years ago), I've never had a cavity. Before I had them, I had too many cavities to count. If you're kids have good brushing habits, they don't really need them; but if they don't, then the extra protection will sure help.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

Our insurance paid for sealants so both of my kids had them on their permanent teeth. Now DD 30 and DD 24 - on 1 cavity between them.....

 

[canadianjovigirl]

My kids also had them, baby and permanent teeth.....anything that can help prevent future problems is a good thing to me.............

 

[lisabarr]

My father is a dentist and insisted we do both kids teeth. Nothing better to protect cavity prone molars. Pay now or pay later.

 

[Lisa_M]

I had sealants put on my teeth when was a kid. I don't know if insurance covered it or not, or what it cost. However, I've only had 1 cavity in my whole life.

DH did not have sealants and it seems every other visit (so once per year) he has a handful of cavities.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

It is $44 per tooth for my dentist. Insurance is covering them, but I would pay for them if they weren't.
My DH has horrible teeth and the boys got his genes. Poor babies. Anyway, better the $44 now then $126 per tooth with $30 for analgesia each time they need to be fixed.

 

[PlutoPony]

My son has always seen a pediatric dentist and they kept a close eye on the molars, since they are very prone to cavities in kids. As soon as those teeth were all the way up, they were sealed. Our insurance pays for this.

Since most dental policies are designed as preventative plans, I'm really surprised that your plan doesn't cover at least a portion of this OP. That would be a real expense if we paid out of pocket, think it's about $50/tooth here.

 

[beattyfamily]

We had them put on our kids permanant teeth.

It is covered by our insurance, which is Delta Dental.

 

[rparmfamily]

My insurance covers a portion of sealants too. I know my DD got them but I don't think DS has yet. DD has 1 cavity, DS has 4, ugg, between molars, so he has "2" on each side as the cavity is down between. Poor guy. (and my checkbook)

I got them as well, only 1 cavity.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ours is covered by insurance, but not a few years ago, and we did them anyway. Sometimes they need to be replaced. I don't know of any kid who doesn't get them these days - they really prevent cavities!

 

[scootch]

We had to pay out of pocket, but have not had a single cavity since, well worth the investment.

 

[Cindy B]

I would call /contact your insurance and ask if sealants are covered. Every insurance that we have had (good and not so good companies) have covered sealants.

 

[mrsklamc]

I would get the sealants but I would also change dentists as 'hard sells' don't belong in medical offices, nor does anyone who can't respect you saying you want to research and make your own decision.