Dental Sealants in Haslet, TX

Often recommended for children, sealants are an easy treatments that protects your teeth from decay and cavities. Sealants are thin, flexible, plastic coatings that can be put on the tops of your back teeth (molars and premolars) often times to fill any voids or gaps in the enamel and to make keeping the tooth clean with daily brushing easier and more effective. Once they're placed, sealants block plaque, tartar, bacteria, and food particles from depositing on your teeth to protect them from several problems, such as cavities. Dental sealants may stay on for many years with proper care that includes a regular oral hygiene routine at home. They not only maintain the health of your mouth and lower the risk of dental cavities, but they may also save you from expensive treatments at your annual dental exams at Riley Dental. Talk to our dentist, Dr. Luke Riley, at your dental exam in our Haslet, TX office to help you decide if dental sealants are a good choice for you and your family.

Dental sealants are a highly effective measure to fight the development of cavities and can be taken advantage of by people of all ages, not just children and adolescents. Benefits of dental sealants applied at Riley Dental include:

• Protection against tooth decay
• Easy, non-invasive, painless application
• A long-lasting solution
• They are virtually unnoticeable to others when speaking or chewing
• A cost-effective treatment, especially in the long run
• Preserving the natural structure of teeth
  

Good candidates for sealants are patients who are prone to developing oral diseases or cavities as well as patients who have a tooth shape where their enamel has frequent gaps and voids. In many cases, dental sealants are suggested for younger children and teens who may not have a regular oral hygiene routine. The application of dental sealants is a simple, fast treatment that generally doesn't require sedation or anesthesia, making it a great procedure for all ages.

At your consult, Dr. Riley will first examine your teeth to decide if dental sealants are right for you. Before the application, we will clean and polish your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Next, Dr. Riley will brush on the sealant and set the material using a light. After the application is set, Dr. Riley and his staff will check if your dental sealant is in the correct position.

After your treatment, you will be free to resume your regular day. It's important for you to develop a good home oral care plan, including brushing your teeth two times every day, along with flossing and using mouthwash. You should try to avoid putting heavy pressure on your back teeth or consuming foods that are sticky. With good care, dental sealants may last for years. At your yearly dental examination at Riley Dental, Dr. Riley will decide if your dental sealants should be applied again.

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment, and many dental insurance companies pay for some of the cost in children. Coverage can vary, particularly in adults, so we will figure out your coverage by calling your insurance company and then letting you know your costs. Riley Dental takes many methods of payment, offers different in-office payment plans, and accepts third-party financing via CareCredit.

Can dental sealants be removed?
Yes, dental sealants can be removed by Dr. Riley, if necessary. However, this is usually only required if the sealant becomes worn or damaged.

Do dental sealants require special care?
No, dental sealants do not require any special care. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular cleanings and exams at Riley Dental. You should also try to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage the sealants or cause them to come off.

Will dental sealants prevent all cavities?
While dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, they do not protect against cavities in other areas. It is still important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and return to our Haslet, TX office for regular dental visits.

How durable are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are known for their durability, often lasting several years with the right care. They're crafted to resist the daily forces of chewing and biting. During regular dental check-ups, it's a good idea to have them examined to make sure they're still in place and doing their job. When necessary, sealants can be touched up or replaced.

What steps should I take if my dental sealant is compromised?

If you find that a dental sealant has been damaged or is no longer in place, please contact our office right away. Dr. Riley will evaluate the situation and decide whether a new application or a fix is required to safeguard your tooth against decay.

Can dental sealants alleviate tooth sensitivity?

Dental sealants are beneficial for those struggling with tooth sensitivity. Dr. Riley frequently advises their use for patients who find eating or drinking hot or cold items uncomfortable. Sealants act as a protective barrier, blocking out the pain from hot or cold temperatures that can affect the sensitive parts of your tooth.

You or your child may be one of the many people who could benefit from sealants to maintain general dental health. Dental sealants are a great option to avoid more extensive procedures, such as cavity fillings. A relatively easy and quick procedure, dental sealants can help your family experience easier dental exams and improved overall health. To get more information about sealants, contact our Haslet, TX office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Riley.