Dental Sealants in Houston, TX

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are very effective at protecting teeth against decay and cavities. They are often placed on the back teeth (molars and premolars), but can also be placed on any deep grooves in teeth, where most tooth decay occurs.

When to Get Dental Sealants

Molars first come in for a child at around 5 to 7 years of age. The second set will come in between the ages of 11 and 14. The best time to have sealants placed is when the molars first begin to come in to ensure early protection. However, many adults can still benefit from dental sealants as long as you have a previous history of good oral health.

Dental Sealant Procedure

To apply a dental sealant, the teeth are first cleaned, rinsed, and dried. A special solution is then applied to the surface of the teeth to help the sealant to bond properly. Once this solution dries, the sealant is painted onto the teeth, covering grooves and depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, it is then either left to dry on its own or hardened with a special curing light. The dried sealant becomes a hard plastic varnish coating, allowing normal use of the teeth once again.

Maintaining Your Dental Sealants

It should be noted that dental sealants do not make teeth completely immune to decay and therefore, good dental habits are still required. Besides regular brushing and flossing, a healthy, balanced diet should be adopted. Additionally, regular visits to the dentist will allow for check-ups on how the dental sealants hold up over time. With proper care, dental sealants will last for many years.

Ready to protect your smile? Book an appointment with our Houston, TX dental office for dental sealants today!