Dental Sealants – Odessa, TX

Did you know that there is a way to stop decay-causing bacteria from reaching your teeth? That’s what dental sealants do. Dental sealants—also called pit and fissure sealants or just fissure sealants—are made of a thin layer of medical grade plastic that is adhesively bonded directly to the enamel surface of your teeth. Dental sealants are most often prescribed for children whose deeply pitted and grooved molars are especially susceptible to dental caries, or cavities. However, adults can also benefit from sealants, especially if they happen to be prone to tooth decay.

Good Oral Hygiene and Dental Sealants

Brushing and flossing are indeed essential to removing food particles and plaque from the biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth. However, your toothbrush cannot always reach deep into the narrow grooves and pits of your teeth. As a result, bacteria can feed on these particles and excrete the acids that cause cavities. And while fluoride toothpaste and fluoride treatments with your family dentist in Odessa help strengthen tooth enamel, dental sealants serve as an added layer of protection.

Getting Dental Sealants in Odessa

Whether for children or adults, the first step in placing dental sealants involves having your teeth professionally cleaned by one of our dental hygienists. Then, the teeth are rinsed with water and dried.

Next, a mild acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface of each tooth. This solution slightly roughens the surface, much like fine sandpaper on wood. The solution is rinsed off after just a few seconds and the tooth is dried again.

Finally, the liquid dental sealant is painted on to your teeth. A special curing light dries the sealant formula quickly. Once the sealant is fully hardened, you can eat normally. Dental sealants are made to hold up very well under the pressure of regular chewing and biting.

Your new sealants should last for several years. Dr. Cobb will monitor the integrity of your sealants at each of your dental checkups and replace any if necessary. He and his team want to help you and your children enjoy excellent oral health. With dental sealants, you can win the daily battle against decay-causing bacteria.