Dental Sealants Houma, LA
No matter how carefully you brush, there are grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth that your toothbrush simply cannot reach. These narrow crevices in the molars and premolars are prime locations for plaque and bacteria to accumulate, and when they do, decay follows. Dental sealants are a simple, painless preventive treatment that seals those grooves before decay can start. At Porche Dental Care in Houma, Louisiana, Dr. Corey Porche applies sealants as part of our preventive care approach for patients of all ages across Terrebonne Parish, because the best cavity is the one that never forms.
The CDC Division of Oral Health recognizes dental sealants as one of the most effective evidence-based interventions for preventing cavities in both children and adults, noting that sealants can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in the back teeth where most decay occurs.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. The liquid material flows into the fine grooves and pits of the tooth and is then hardened with a curing light, forming a smooth, protective barrier over the enamel. Once sealed, those tiny channels that harbor plaque are essentially filled in, making the tooth surface much easier to clean and significantly reducing the risk of decay in that area.
The procedure is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. No drilling or anesthetic is required. Applying a sealant to a single tooth typically takes just a few minutes, and you can eat and drink normally as soon as you leave the appointment.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, since the years right after the permanent molars erupt are when those teeth are at highest risk for decay. However, sealants are not only for children. Adults with healthy back teeth that have no existing decay or fillings can also benefit significantly from sealant protection.
Dr. Porche evaluates each patient individually. Not every tooth needs to be sealed, and not every patient is a good candidate. If sealants make sense for your situation, he will explain why and what to expect before moving forward.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Sealants are one of the highest-value preventive investments in dentistry. A few minutes in the chair today can spare you from fillings, crowns, or root canals down the road. The key benefits include:
How Sealants Are Applied
The process is simple and takes only a few minutes per tooth. Here is what happens at your appointment:
How Long Do Sealants Last?
With proper care, dental sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied. Dr. Porche checks the condition of your sealants at every routine exam. If a sealant chips, wears down, or comes off entirely, the tooth is no longer protected and should be resealed as soon as possible. A sealant that is still fully intact continues to provide effective protection regardless of how long it has been in place — some adults have functioning sealants from childhood. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods can help extend sealant life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
Are dental sealants only for children?
No. While sealants are most commonly applied to children’s permanent molars shortly after they erupt, adults with healthy, unfilled back teeth can benefit just as much. If your molars have deep grooves and no existing decay or restorations, sealants may be a worthwhile option at any age. Dr. Porche will assess your teeth at your exam and let you know if you are a good candidate.
Does getting a sealant hurt?
Not at all. The procedure requires no drilling or anesthetic. You may notice a mild taste from the etching solution, which is rinsed away before the sealant is applied. Most patients are surprised by how quickly and easily it goes. You can eat and drink normally as soon as you leave the appointment.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last several years with proper care. Dr. Porche checks the condition of your sealants at every routine exam. If a sealant chips or comes loose, the underlying tooth is no longer protected and should be resealed promptly. Avoiding hard or sticky foods helps prolong sealant life.
Can sealants be applied over a cavity?
No. Sealants are a preventive measure for teeth that are currently healthy and free of decay. If a cavity is already present, it needs to be treated with a filling first. Applying a sealant over existing decay would trap the bacteria and allow the cavity to continue developing underneath.
Should my child get sealants and fluoride treatments?
Both can be beneficial and they work differently. Fluoride strengthens the enamel throughout the entire tooth, making it more resistant to acid attacks. Sealants physically block bacteria and food from reaching the grooves of the chewing surfaces. Used together, they provide complementary layers of protection. Dr. Porche will recommend what makes sense for your child based on their individual risk factors and dental history.
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children up to a certain age, often through age 14 or 16. Coverage for adults varies by plan. Because Porche Dental Care is a fee-for-service, out-of-network practice, we will provide you with the documentation needed to submit a claim to your insurer. Our financial information page has details on out-of-network benefits and CareCredit financing.
