Los Fresnos Dentist Offering Dental Sealants

Many people have deep pits and grooves in their teeth where bacteria and food particles can hide and cause decay. Children with poor brushing habits may also develop decay on hard-to-reach molars. For situations like these, dental sealants offer a means of protecting molar and premolar chewing surfaces from decay. Recognized by the American Dental Association as a key means of cavity prevention, dental sealants are simply a thin plastic film that can be applied to teeth.

Decay can easily develop in the deep grooves of your teeth. Dental sealants, thin layers of plastic coating, protect teeth by creating smooth, even chewing surfaces. Dr. Lalonde recommends dental sealants for children whose six-year year molars have come in or kids who are between six and 16 years old. Adults with deep grooves or depressions in their teeth may want to consider sealants, as well.

First, we identify and fill any spots of decay, then prepare your teeth with a cleaning and etching solution. After about 15 seconds, we thoroughly rinse the solution, dry the surface, coat your teeth with the sealant, and harden it with a curing light. The entire procedure is fast, easy, and comfortable. It takes about 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to seal. Dental sealants create an impenetrable physical barrier for small food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, making them highly effective in preventing tooth surface decay and the resulting cavities. Dental sealants can last up to ten years. Most insurance companies only cover sealant procedures at a minimal level, but the good news is that insurance companies seem to be recognizing this technique's value as a preventive measure that will help reduce future dental costs and more aggressive treatments. Ask us about dental sealants for you and your kids today!

You only get one smile, and our job is to protect it. Conveniently located near Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and San Benito, our Los Fresnos dental office can help you ward off tooth decay and dental disease with regular preventive dental care. Call today to make an appointment with Dr. Lalonde.