Preventive Dentistry · Houston TX 77037 · Se habla español
Dental sealants are one of the most comfortable and effective tools we have for preventing cavities in the grooves of back teeth — no drilling, no needles, no discomfort. Dr. Maddipati applies sealants for children and adults at our North Houston office on Airline Drive, and Medicaid and CHIP cover this preventive treatment for eligible children.
No forms required to call · Se habla español
Is this an emergency? Sealants are a routine preventive treatment — not an emergency procedure. If your child or you are experiencing tooth pain, a toothache, or visible swelling, please call us at 832-779-5522 so we can evaluate that separately. For any severe swelling with fever or difficulty swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Pain or swelling should be assessed before preventive work is done.
The chewing surfaces of back teeth — the molars and premolars — are not flat. They have a landscape of ridges, grooves, and small pits designed for grinding food effectively. These grooves are valuable for function, but they also create spaces where food particles and bacteria accumulate. Even thorough brushing cannot always reach deep into the narrowest grooves.
A dental sealant is a thin, tooth-colored plastic coating that flows into these grooves and hardens, creating a smooth surface that is much easier to clean. By filling the deepest and narrowest grooves, sealants help prevent bacteria from settling in areas that are otherwise difficult to keep consistently clean — which is where many cavities begin in back teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recognize dental sealants as a safe and effective preventive measure for reducing cavities in the grooves of back teeth. Texas Medicaid and CHIP include sealants as a covered benefit for eligible children precisely because of this recognized clinical value.
Sealants are most commonly applied shortly after the permanent back molars emerge. At this stage, the teeth are newly erupted and have not yet had the opportunity to accumulate the minerals that can naturally harden enamel over time. Applying sealants early, while the teeth are clean and healthy, provides protection during the years when cavity risk in back teeth is often highest.
Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP cover sealants for eligible children. We verify benefits before the appointment.
Adults can also benefit from sealants on teeth with very deep grooves that have remained cavity-free and have no large existing fillings. Sealants are not appropriate for every adult tooth, but Dr. Maddipati evaluates each tooth individually and discusses whether sealing specific teeth would be clinically beneficial in your situation. She explains her reasoning clearly before making any recommendation.
The sealant application is one of the most comfortable procedures in dentistry. No anesthesia is needed, and there is no drilling involved. Below is a general overview of what the appointment involves.
The tooth surfaces to be sealed are cleaned and examined. Dr. Maddipati confirms each tooth is free of decay and appropriate for sealing before proceeding. Only healthy, cavity-free surfaces receive sealants.
The tooth is dried and a mild conditioning solution is applied briefly to the chewing surface. This gently roughens the enamel at a microscopic level so the sealant material bonds well to the tooth. The solution is rinsed away and the tooth is dried again.
The liquid sealant material is carefully painted into the grooves and pits of the chewing surface. The material flows into the narrow spaces that are otherwise hard to reach with a toothbrush.
A curing light hardens the sealant material within seconds. Dr. Maddipati then checks the bite to ensure the sealant does not interfere with how the teeth come together, making any necessary adjustment. The tooth is now sealed and ready.
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth — but they do not protect between teeth or at the gumline. Daily brushing and flossing remain important for complete oral health even after sealants are placed. Dr. Maddipati discusses what home care is most important for your child's specific situation at each visit.
Sealants are one of the simplest investments in your child's dental health. We verify Medicaid and CHIP coverage before the appointment — no surprises. Appointments available for children and adults. Se habla español.
Call 832-779-5522No rotating associates. Dr. Soujanya Maddipati personally sees every patient, reviews your X-rays with you, and explains everything in plain language before any treatment begins. You decide what happens — at your own pace.
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health before her dental degree — an unusual path that shapes how she thinks about your care. She understands that dental decisions affect your whole life, and she takes the time to make sure you have the complete picture before deciding anything.
She founded Mi Smile Family Dental on Airline Drive specifically to serve the North Houston community — including Greenspoint, Aldine, and surrounding neighborhoods. She accepts Medicaid and CHIP as genuine care options, verifies your benefits before treatment begins, and explains all costs upfront.
Nothing starts before you're informed and comfortable. You decide what happens next.
"Dr. Maddipati was calm, thorough, and explained everything before touching anything. I left feeling so much better about my dental health."
"She is very patient and thorough. Really appreciated the time she spent explaining everything clearly. Best dentist near 77037."
"They verified my Medicaid before I arrived so I knew exactly what to expect. Clean office, no long wait, and the doctor answered every question."
"An exceptionally caring and talented dentist. I drive from Champions area just to see her. She genuinely listens."
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences. Individual outcomes vary. Displayed with permission.
We verify your coverage before your visit and explain all costs before treatment begins — so you can make a confident, informed decision with no surprises.
We are a proud Medicaid and CHIP provider for adult and pediatric patients. Coverage specifics depend on your individual plan and the treatment needed. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) dental plans are also accepted. We verify your benefits before scheduling any treatment and explain all costs upfront — so you always know what to expect.
Texas Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP cover dental sealants for eligible children. Coverage for adults varies by plan. We verify all benefits before scheduling. We verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide a pre-treatment cost estimate. Call us with your insurance card and we check your coverage before your appointment — at no charge.
Plans we work with:
Aetna · Delta Dental · Cigna · MetLife · Guardian · Humana · United Healthcare · Texas Medicaid (STAR) · CHIP · Medicare Advantage · CareCredit · Sunbit
Coverage varies by individual plan and clinical circumstances. Financing subject to lender approval. Call us with your insurance information and we verify before your appointment.
Call to Verify Coverage — 832-779-5522General educational information only. For guidance specific to your child's teeth, schedule a visit with Dr. Maddipati.
Mi Smile Family Dental is conveniently located on Airline Drive in North Houston, and we are proud to welcome patients from our core service neighborhoods: Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037, 77038) along the Airline Drive corridor, Greenspoint North (77067) along I-45 north, and Greater Inwood / Hidden Valley (77088) near Hwy 290.
We also warmly welcome patients from North Houston near Spring (77073), North Houston District (77014), the FM 1960 / Champions area (77090, 77066), Aldine Far North (77039, 77032), Northside / Independence Heights (77076), Greater Inwood West (77086), Acres Home (77091), and Northeast Houston / Eastex-Jensen (77093). Wherever you are coming from, you are always welcome here.
Sealants are quick, comfortable, and an important part of keeping back teeth healthy. Dr. Maddipati is happy to evaluate whether sealants are appropriate for your child — or for you. Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans accepted. No referral needed.
Call 832-779-5522General Information Only — Not a Substitute for Professional Dental Advice. Content on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute dental advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Individual clinical suitability for sealants varies. Please schedule an evaluation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH. Content reviewed April 2026. References: American Dental Association (ADA); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Reviewed by: Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · Texas-Licensed DDS · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed April 2026
También disponible en español: Selladores Dentales en Houston, TX
For educational purposes only. Clinical recommendations are individualized. Not a substitute for professional dental evaluation. Last reviewed April 2026.
