Dental Sealants in Waxahachie, TX
Explore The Benefits of Dental Sealants With Dr. Clinton
Dental sealants are an important preventive treatment, especially for children and teenagers. Sealants provide a protective coating over the chewing surfaces of back teeth, guarding against decay-causing bacteria and plaque. At Waxahachie Family Dentistry in Waxahachie, TX, Dr. Scott Clinton and his team frequently recommend sealants for patients of all ages who could benefit from this simple, painless procedure.
Ready to reap the benefits of dental sealants? Call (972) 885-3335 to schedule your appointment at Waxahachie Family Dentistry today.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the pits and grooves of the back teeth. They act as a barrier between your teeth and cavity-causing bacteria, food particles, and acids in your mouth.
Sealants protect teeth by sealing off hard-to-reach crevices where brushing and flossing can’t fully remove plaque and debris. They prevent bacteria from flourishing and are commonly placed on permanent molars that erupt between ages six and 12. However, they can be applied to teeth at any age. Getting them placed as soon as molars erupt can prevent decay and the need for fillings down the road.
Candidates for Dental Sealants
While dental sealants are recommended for all children and teenagers, some patients are especially good candidates. These include:
- Children ages six to 14 when permanent molars are erupting
- Teens prone to getting cavities and decay
- Patients with teeth anatomy that makes brushing difficult
- Anyone with existing fillings that need preventive maintenance
- Adults who wish to avoid expensive dental work
- Older adults who want to preserve their teeth
- Patients with conditions that make dental care difficult
- Anyone with newly erupted molars that haven’t developed decay
Dr. Clinton evaluates the need for sealants on a case-by-case basis. Patients with elevated cavity risk often benefit the most from sealant protection.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer many advantages for protecting oral health, including:
- Stop decay before it starts by blocking food and bacteria
- Quick and painless to apply with no drilling or anesthesia
- Easy monitoring for decay during dental check-ups
- Reduce the need for fillings and more extensive dental work
- Delay or eliminate the need for crowns or tooth extractions
- Cost-effective, paying for themselves by preventing costly repairs
- Spare patients from pain, school/work absences, and tooth loss
- Support better oral hygiene since sealed teeth are easier to clean
- Give parents peace of mind about their kids’ dental health
The Dental Sealants Process at Waxahachie Family Dentistry
Oral Examination and Cleaning
Our Waxahachie dentist first examines the teeth to identify ones suitable for sealants. They look for deep pits and grooves in the chewing surfaces where decay is most likely to develop. Our team will then thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque, bacteria, and debris that could prevent proper sealant bonding.
Tooth Preparation
Cotton rolls, rubber dams, or other isolation devices keep the teeth dry and avoid saliva contamination during the sealing process. We’ll then apply an acidic gel to roughen or “etch” the enamel surface. This creates tiny pores for the sealant to flow into and adhere to.
Sealant Placement
The liquid sealant resin is painted onto the pitted/grooved chewing surfaces in a thin, even layer. It flows into the etched pores. We’ll expose the sealant to a curing light to harden and bond it to the enamel. This takes about 30 seconds per tooth.
Evaluation and Adjustments
The dentist confirms the sealant has uniformly filled all pits and grooves with no gaps or thin spots. We’ll add more sealant if needed to cover deficient areas for full protection. The sealed surface is then smoothed and polished for patient comfort and optimal oral hygiene.
Maintenance
Regular dental visits are needed to monitor the sealants and reapply them as necessary over time. Sealants can last for many years with proper oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should sealants be placed on baby teeth, too?
Sealants are mainly recommended for permanent teeth. The exception is if a primary molar has deep grooves that are hard to clean. Sealing it may help prevent decay until it falls out.
How do I know if my sealants need to be replaced?
Your dentist checks sealants at every six-month cleaning visit. They look for any chipping, cracking, or breakdown and reseal if needed. Sealants can last five to 10 years with proper maintenance.
Is there an age limit for getting sealants?
No. Patients of all ages can benefit from sealants if they have deep grooves susceptible to decay. Older adults often get sealants to prevent cavities between teeth and under crowns.
Do dental insurance plans cover sealants?
Most insurance policies at least partially cover sealant applications, especially for children. Your dentist’s financial team can check your benefits to clarify your exact coverage amounts.
Schedule Your Family’s Appointment at Waxahachie Family Dentistry
Dental sealants are a quick, effective way to prevent cavities and tooth decay, especially for children and teenagers. At Waxahachie Family Dentistry, Dr. Scott Clinton strongly recommends sealants as an important preventive measure. Sealants cost just a fraction of future dental repairs and can help patients preserve their natural teeth for decades to come.
If you’re considering sealants for yourself or your family, call our Waxahachie, TX, dental office today at (972) 885-3335 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help determine if sealants are right for you and get you set up with this valuable layer of protection and prevention.