Dental Sealants in Lanham, MD

Added Protection for Cavity-Prone Tooth Surfaces

Deep grooves in back teeth can be difficult to keep clean. At Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard may recommend dental sealants in Lanham, Maryland, for adults whose teeth and cavity risk make this preventive option appropriate. Sealants complement daily cleaning and regular dental care.

Call 301-552-2662 to schedule an examination and discuss your preventive care needs.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A sealant is a thin coating placed in selected pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It forms a barrier that helps keep food and bacteria out of those areas. The tooth is evaluated first to determine whether a sealant is suitable.

Sealants protect the treated surface. Other parts of the tooth still need careful brushing, cleaning between teeth and monitoring at dental visits.

Can Adults Benefit From Sealants?

Although sealants are often associated with younger patients, some adults can also benefit. Dr. Brenda E. Howard considers the shape of the tooth, existing fillings, signs of decay and your overall cavity risk.

A sealant may be considered for a suitable tooth with deep grooves that are difficult to clean. It is not automatically recommended for every back tooth. If a cavity has formed or a restoration needs repair, a filling or another treatment may be needed instead.

What to Expect During Application

For a suitable tooth, the surface is cleaned, prepared and kept dry. The sealant material is applied to the grooves and set according to the material’s requirements, commonly with a curing light. The dental team then checks the coverage and how your teeth meet.

Placement is usually straightforward and does not typically require numbing or removal of tooth structure. Your examination will establish whether any additional care is needed before the surface can be sealed.

Prevention Based on Your Individual Needs

Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985 and provides comprehensive adult dentistry. Her continuing education includes studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute. She considers prevention alongside any restorative or gum health needs when planning your care.

During cleanings and examinations, our team can review the condition of existing sealants, explain findings and help you maintain areas that need extra attention.

Caring for Sealed Teeth

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. Keep recommended dental visits so the sealants and surrounding teeth can be checked. A sealant can wear or become partially lost and may need repair or replacement.

Tell our team if a treated tooth feels uncomfortable, your bite changes or you notice sensitivity. Sealants lower risk on suitable surfaces but do not guarantee that a tooth will never develop decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discuss Dental Sealants in Lanham, Maryland

Find out whether sealants could be a useful part of your preventive plan. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule an appointment.