Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Dental sealants are one of the simplest ways to protect a child’s teeth from cavities—especially during the early years of brushing and flossing. Applied in just minutes, they can help prevent tooth decay before it starts.
In this blog, we explain what dental sealants are, how they are applied, and why we recommend them.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental sealants provide a safe, painless, and affordable way to protect your child’s molars from cavities. When combined with good oral hygiene, they offer lasting protection and help support long-term dental health.
What Are Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. These areas often have deep fissures and pits that trap food particles and food debris.
Even with good oral hygiene, it’s hard to clean these grooves thoroughly. Sealants bond to the tooth surface and form a physical barrier that shields the occlusal surface from bacteria and plaque.
Why Dental Sealants for Kids Make Sense
Children with sealants experience fewer cavities than those without. Pit-and-fissure sealants help protect newly erupted permanent teeth, especially the first and second molars.
Sealants are especially useful for kids with poor brushing habits or limited access to consistent dental care.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
When applied early, dental sealants can make a big difference in your child’s oral health. Here’s how:
- Protect chewing surfaces from plaque and food debris
- Prevent carious lesions and untreated tooth decay
- Reduce the need for invasive dental treatment
- Quick, non-invasive, and painless process
- Can last many years with proper care
| Sealants Can Save You Money 💵Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to protect your child’s teeth, and they are often covered by insurance. Applying them early can help preserve natural tooth structure and prevent the higher costs of treating cavities later on. |
What to Keep in Mind About Dental Sealants
Before your child gets dental sealants, it helps to understand how they work and what to expect over time.
- Sealants are durable, but they can wear down or come off over time. Your dentist will check them during regular visits and reapply them if needed.
- Brushing and flossing are still essential because sealants only cover the chewing surfaces, not the entire tooth.
- In rare cases, a child may have sensitivity or a mild reaction to the materials used.
Adults with healthy permanent molars and deep grooves may benefit from added protection. However, the greatest benefit is seen in children whose teeth are at highest risk for cavities.
What Happens During Sealant Placement
Here is a step-by-step procedure:
- Step 1: The tooth is cleaned and dried. We gently sandblast the grooves to micro abrade the enamel surface. This ensures great bonding of the sealant to the enamel grooves.
- Step 2: A gentle acid solution prepares the surface to help the liquid bonding resin and sealant adhere.
- Step 3: Bonding resin is applied for maximum adherence/bonding of the sealant.
- Step 4: The protective coating (sealant) is painted onto the tooth.
- Step 5: A special light is used to harden the sealant.
This entire dental treatment takes several minutes per tooth and is entirely painless.
| Are Dental Sealants Worth It? Absolutely!They protect the most cavity-prone areas of your child’s teeth, reduce the risk of future dental problems, and support long-term oral health. Simple, painless, and backed by years of research, sealants are a smart investment in a healthy smile |
Schedule a Dental Exam in Mesa, AZ
Protecting your child’s smile starts with preventive care. At Power Road Dental Care, we make it simple to stay ahead of tooth decay with services like dental sealants, regular checkups, and gentle cleanings. Call today to schedule an exam.
If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.