Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a tooth-colored or clear resin coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth. Once it's cured, it fills in the deep pits and fissures and creates a smooth surface that's far easier to keep clean. Nothing is drilled, nothing is removed, and no numbing is needed. For most patients, it's one of the quickest and most comfortable appointments we offer.

We most often place sealants on permanent molars shortly after they come in — usually around age six for the first set and around age twelve for the second. That window matters, because a freshly erupted molar hasn't had years of exposure to sugar and acid yet. Sealing it early means protecting a tooth that's still intact. We also place sealants on premolars and, in some cases, on baby molars with especially deep grooves, since those teeth hold space for the adult teeth behind them.

Sealants aren't only for children. Adults with deep, cavity-free grooves can benefit too, and so can patients who are prone to decay for other reasons — dry mouth from medication, a diet that includes frequent snacking, or a history of fillings on the chewing surfaces. Our office treats patients of all ages, so a parent and a child can both be evaluated for sealants at the same family visit.

Before we seal a tooth, we examine it closely. A sealant is meant to protect a healthy surface, so if there's already decay in a groove, we treat that first — often with a small composite filling — rather than sealing a problem in. Our dental hygienist cleans the tooth thoroughly, since any debris left behind can keep the sealant from bonding well. The tooth is then dried and isolated, because moisture is the main reason a sealant fails to stick.

From there, the surface is conditioned, the resin is flowed into the grooves, and a curing light hardens it in seconds. We check your bite afterward and adjust the sealant if it feels high. The whole process for a single tooth takes only a few minutes, which is why we frequently place sealants during the same visit as a cleaning and exam. For children who are nervous, our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones and Netflix — gives them something else to focus on. We also treat children with special healthcare needs, and we're glad to go at whatever pace works.

Cost, Insurance and Payment

Most PPO plans cover sealants for children as a preventive benefit, and we accept all major PPO insurance. We'll run a complimentary insurance benefits check before treatment so you know what's covered and what isn't, with no surprises at checkout.

If you don't have dental insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 a year for patients 17 and under. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings and two fluoride treatments a year at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment, and there's no annual maximum, deductible, waiting period or pre-authorization. We also offer CareCredit financing and accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.