1988 Wilcrest Dr G, Houston, TX 77042, United States

Briar Forest Dental Group

713-784-4430

Briar Forest Dental Group

Dental Sealants In Houston, Tx 77042

Dental sealants are a type of preventive dentistry that can protect your teeth from cavities. They are most used on the molars, which are the back teeth that are most prone to cavities.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, usually the molars and premolars. The sealant material bonds into the depressions and grooves of the tooth surface, forming a barrier that helps prevent food and bacteria from becoming trapped in these areas.

Most people need dental sealants on their back teeth at some point in their lives. They are typically applied in childhood but may also be recommended for adults who have not had them before. Sealants are a fast, painless procedure that can be done in the dentist’s office.

Sealants and Fillings: How They Work Together

Sealants and Fillings: How They Work Together

Dental sealants and dental fillings both serve the same purpose: to prevent cavities from forming in the teeth. However, there are some significant differences between them that make them complementary to one another for your oral health care.

Sealants work best on the surfaces of molars, where chewing occurs, and cavities are most likely to form. The filling works best on the front teeth, which can be finished growing in as early as age six.

Cavities usually start between the ages of two and five, whereas permanent teeth typically come in around age six to eight. Both sealants and fillings help protect teeth from cavities and gum disease. However, sealants do so more effectively than fillings.

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Why You Need Dental Sealants

Dental professionals apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of molars to reduce their risk for tooth decay and save them thousands of dollars in future restorative dental care. Without this protective barrier, tooth decay can worsen quickly and cause extensive dental damage.

How Do I Care for My Dental Sealant?

Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your or your child’s dental sealant, but it is important to remember that children often need extra assistance with brushing and flossing due to their smaller mouths. Because of this, parents must be diligent about brushing their child’s teeth at home to help prevent cavities.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are recommended for children who already have at least some of their molars. The best candidates are those between the ages of six and twelve who understand that brushing twice a day is very important to oral health care. All children are candidates for dental sealants if they are exhibiting signs of early tooth decay.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Dental sealants cost around $30 to $60 per tooth when applied to children’s teeth, though the cost can go up or down depending on individual circumstances.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the tooth from plaque and bacteria. Dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, and they can last for up to 10 years.

The benefits of dental sealants include:

  • Prevention of cavities
  • Reduction of plaque and bacteria
  • Protection against early tooth decay
  • Improved oral health

How Long Does a Dental Sealant Last?

Dental sealants usually last for about 5 years, but they may last for up to 10 years with proper care. It is important to keep in mind that dental sealants do not take the place of daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing.