Dental Sealants Specialist in Copperfield Houston, Cinco Ranch Katy, Magnolia, Katy, FM Spring, Spring, and Montgomery TX

Dental sealants are a simple yet highly effective preventive dental treatment that protects teeth from decay. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, known as the molars and premolars, and act as a barrier against cavity-causing bacteria and food particles.

Sealants are clear or white, making them virtually invisible in the mouth. They’re often recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent back teeth come in, as they are great for protecting during these crucial years when young patients are especially prone to cavities. In addition, adults can benefit from sealants too! If you are interested in this treatment for you or your child, the experts at Gentle Dental Care are here to help you understand whether this approach is right.

Dental sealants are made from modern, safe materials such as composite resin or glass ionomers. These materials are used due to their ability to bond well to the surface of your teeth and provide a durable barrier against decay.

Composite resin dental sealants are typically tooth-colored, blending in seamlessly. These sealants harden quickly under a special light used by your dentist, forming a strong and lasting protective shield over the grooves of the molars and premolars. Glass ionomer sealants release fluoride, which can provide additional protection by strengthening the tooth enamel. Although not as durable as resin, glass ionomer sealants are often used on emerging molars.

Both types of sealants are excellent choices for protecting the teeth from decay, especially in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Your dentist will recommend the best type of sealant to keep your or your child’s smile healthy and cavity-free.

The main goal of applying dental sealants is to fill in the narrow grooves and pits in your teeth, as these are areas where food particles and plaque are prone to accumulate and are hard to clean out with regular brushing. Especially useful on the back molars, sealants provide a smooth, protective coating that keeps out the tiny bits of food and bacteria that contribute to decay.

As they protect against decay, dental sealants are beneficial to overall oral wellness. They’re a proactive step in dental care that can reduce the need for more invasive treatments like fillings or crowns in the future. As this treatment is convenient and pain-free, sealants are a practical choice for anyone looking to take an extra step to keep their smile looking and feeling good.

When you come in for dental sealant treatment, the process is quick and gentle. The treatment is completed in just one visit to the dentist. The first step in applying sealants involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth or teeth that will be treated. Once the tooth is clean, it’s dried, and cotton gauze is placed around the area to keep it dry. This step is important, as moisture can prevent the sealant from bonding properly.

A mild acid solution is then applied to the chewing surfaces of the tooth to ensure the sealant bonds properly. After the acid solution has done its job, it’s rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again. Next, the sealant is painted directly onto the tooth enamel, filling the pits and grooves of the tooth. As the sealant is a liquid when it’s applied, it can flow into and fill all the tiny crevices of the chewing surface.

The final step in this process is using a curing light to ensure the sealant hardens properly. This step usually only takes about a minute, transforming the sealant from a liquid into a durable plastic coating. Once the sealant is hardened, the treatment is complete, and you can chew on the tooth again. The entire procedure is quick and gentle, with no discomfort involved, making it an excellent preventive measure for both kids and adults. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Copperfield Houston TX, Cinco Ranch Katy TX, Magnolia TX, Katy TX, FM Spring TX, Spring TX, Montgomery TX, Westlake TX, Kelliwood TX, Copper Lakes TX, Brenwood TX, The Woodlands TX, Rayford TX, Pine Hurst TX, Egypt TX, Dobbin TX, Conroe TX, Louetta TX, Kohrville TX, Four Corners TX, Howellville TX, and surrounding areas. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.