Advanced Dentistry of El Paso
Dental Sealants
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Your molars have these little grooves and pits—they’re natural and help you grind food. But those same grooves can trap food particles and bacteria, making them prime real estate for developing cavities.
The sealant fills in these grooves, creating a smooth surface that’s much easier to keep clean. It’s like adding a protective layer to your teeth so bacteria and food debris can’t penetrate as easily. Pretty neat, right?
Why Dental Sealants Matter for Your Family
Dr. Verastegui often recommends sealants for children and teenagers because their newly erupted permanent teeth benefit most from this protection. But here’s the thing—adults can get them too! If you have deep grooves in your teeth or a history of cavities, sealants might be exactly what you need.
We see many parents who wish they’d known about this option sooner. Cavities in kids can mean missed school days, discomfort, and more extensive dental work down the road. Sealants stop many of these problems before they start, which means fewer trips to our office for fillings and more time enjoying life.
The best part? Sealants can last up to ten years—a decade of extra protection with proper care! We check them during regular preventative dentistry appointments and can touch them up if needed.
The Process of Getting Dental Sealants in El Paso
One thing patients love about sealants is how quick and painless the process is. Seriously, no numbing is needed, and no drilling is involved. Dr. Verastegui and our team can typically apply sealants in just one visit.
First, we thoroughly clean and dry the tooth. Then, we apply a special solution that slightly roughens the tooth surface—this helps the sealant bond properly. After rinsing and drying, we paint the sealant onto the tooth enamel. Finally, we use a special light to harden the sealant. Done! The whole thing takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Kids handle it like champs because there’s nothing scary about it—no strange sounds or discomfort, just a protective coating that goes smooth and easy.
Who Benefits Most from Sealants?
While children between six and fourteen benefit most—since this is when their permanent molars come in—Dr. Verastegui evaluates each patient individually. Some adults have teeth that could really use this extra protection. Maybe you have deep grooves that trap food no matter how well you brush. Or perhaps you’re prone to cavities despite good oral hygiene habits.
Our team uses advanced dental technology to assess your needs and determine appropriate sealants. We consider your oral health history, tooth anatomy, and cavity risk factors.
Combining Sealants with Good Oral Hygiene
Sealants are fantastic, but they do not replace regular brushing and flossing. Think of them as part of a comprehensive approach to oral health. You still need to brush twice daily, floss once a day, and see us for regular checkups.
When you combine sealants with good home care and professional cleanings, you’re giving your teeth the best possible defense against decay. It’s teamwork between what you do at home and what we do here at the office.
Affordable Protection for Your Family
We understand that families have budgets to consider. The good news is that many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and some for adults. Our team can help you understand your financing options and maximize your benefits.
Sealants make financial sense when considering the cost of treating cavities versus preventing them. A single filling costs more than a sealant, not counting the time off work or school, the discomfort, or the potential for more complex dental issues.
Schedule Your Sealant Consultation Today
Ready to protect your family’s teeth with an extra layer of protection? Dr. Verastegui and our team would love to see you. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss whether dental sealants in El Paso are right for you, and answer any questions you may have.
Don’t wait for cavities to develop when prevention is this easy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take a proactive step toward better oral health. Your future self will thank you!