Dental Sealants in Friendswood, TX

Protecting your family's teeth and smile from oral problems, like decay, is high on our list of priorities here at Made Ya Smile Dental. As part of an effective preventive oral health plan, we are proud to offer dental sealants to help patients keep their teeth cavity-free. Sealants are thin tooth-colored or white plastic coatings that fill the grooves of the back teeth to block out bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Though patients of all ages may benefit from dental sealants, Dr. Peter Nishino typically recommends this preventive procedure for patients during their childhood years. With routine and proper care, protective coating for teeth can last for several years, can help to minimize the risk of tooth decay, and may prevent the need for fillings and other restorations. Give your family the cavity protection of preventive dental sealants. Talk to our team today to schedule a consultation at our Friendswood, TX, dental practice.

Your Made Ya Smile dentist may recommend dental sealants for your teeth as an extra protective measure for individuals prone to cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants have many benefits for our patients, such as:

• Prevention of plaque and debris buildup
• Neutral, tooth-colored coating
• Save time and money by keeping your teeth healthy
• Strong level of protection against cavities

As children are developing and their permanent teeth are erupting, they are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay in the back (molar and premolar) teeth. By nature, these teeth have deeper pits and fissures (grooves) on the chewing surfaces that can retain plaque, food, and bacteria, which creates the ideal environment for decay to develop. Sealants are a smooth, hardened material that fills these at-risk areas and helps reduce the chance of cavity formation on these teeth. Dr. Nishino typically recommends that tooth enamel sealants for decay prevention be placed on permanent teeth in patients ages 6 – 12. He may also recommend sealants for teens and adults in Friendswood, TX, who are at a higher risk of decay. However, sealants are only placed in teeth that are fully erupted, that do not have restorations (fillings), and that are free from decay. Most patients find the process of receiving sealants to be quick, comfortable, and simple.

Our caring and friendly team at Made Ya Smile Dental in Friendswood, TX, routinely place dental sealants as part of a preventive care plan. To evaluate your child's teeth and learn if sealants are ideal, Dr. Nishino will first perform a dental exam. In many cases, we can go ahead and place the sealants that day or schedule you to come back in at a time that is more convenient for your family. The sealants placement process starts with cleaning the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which our team uses a paste and special cleaning liquid to do. The teeth are then dried very thoroughly, and the sealant material, which starts out as a liquid, is painted on and filled into the grooves. Using a special dental light, we "cure" the sealants, which cause them to become hard and adhere to the chewing surfaces. It only takes about 20 – 30 seconds for each tooth enamel sealant to be cured. Once all sealants have been placed, we will check the bite for accuracy and comfort and give you instructions on how to care for your child's sealants.

Sealants are an effective and easy way to protect your child's smile and are a simple and comfortable procedure. Once sealants are placed, your child is free to go about normal daily activities. However, we do recommend taking some precautions to protect the integrity of the sealants. It is best for your child to avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods for the first few days following their sealant procedure. Chewing gum, crunching on ice (something we never recommend), and eating hard candy should also be avoided during this time. Though sealants help to protect the chewing surfaces from dental tooth decay, it is still important to maintain excellent home care each day with brushing and flossing habits. When your child is here for their dental cleaning and exam visits, Dr. Nishino will evaluate their sealants and let you know if any replacements or repairs are necessary. Routine dental cleanings with our Friendswood, TX team can also help you keep your child's teeth, gums, and smile as healthy as possible.

When part of a preventive care plan, dental sealants are often covered up to a certain age by most dental insurance plans. A member of our team will be sure to contact your provider and learn about your family's benefits before placing dental sealants. For those who do not carry dental insurance, Made Ya Smile Dental is pleased to offer a special in-house dental savings plan. Our Friendswood, TX practice is happy to work with you and review our other convenient options for covering the cost of any personal expenses. Ask our team about convenient payment methods, including interest-free financing through CareCredit®.

How long do dental sealants last?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sealants can last up to nine years following placement but might not be very effective at protecting against cavities at that time. The CDC estimates that sealants guard against 80% of cavities for about two years and continue to protect against half of cavities for as many as four years.

Are sealants bad for your teeth?
When properly applied, sealants are an excellent way to protect your teeth against cavities. However, improperly applied sealants can lock in harmful acids that promote decay. Dental sealants also can’t be applied to teeth with fillings or decay. Dr. Nishino will examine your child’s teeth at our Friendswood, TX office and then thoroughly clean them before applying a protective coating to teeth.

Can adults get dental sealants?
A tooth enamel sealant is typically applied to the teeth of children and teenagers to prevent tooth decay on their new permanent teeth. However, adults may also benefit from dental sealants as they help prevent the formation of cavities.

Can dental sealants be removed?
Dental sealants can be removed, but this is usually only done if they’re showing signs of excessive wear. If removed, they are typically replaced by new dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a great way to give your child a healthy start in life by reducing the risk of cavities during childhood. Typically placed on healthy and fully erupted molar and premolar teeth, dental sealants cover and protect the deep grooves on the teeth that tend to collect plaque and bacteria that cause decay. Sealants may help to minimize the need for restorative treatments, such as dental fillings or crowns. To learn if your child's smile can benefit from dental sealants, schedule a visit with Dr. Nishino today at Made Ya Smile Dental in Friendswood, TX.