Are you at high risk for cavities? If so, our dentists may recommend (back teeth). Dental sealants cover the chewing surface of your molars. This eliminates deep pits and grooves where plaque can hide. Our dentists can use sealants for patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental sealants can help protect your child’s teeth when they’re most vulnerable to cavities (age 6-14). We often suggest sealants as soon as the premolars and permanent teeth erupt.
Applying sealants is fast, easy, and painless. During the procedure, we roughen the chewing surface of your molars. Our dentists then paint on the sealant. Doing this allows the sealant to bond strongly to the surface of your teeth so it’ll last for years to come.
Dental sealants are not meant to replace good oral hygiene habits. You’ll need to continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily to remove plaque at home. You’ll also need to see our dentists at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination.
During your appointment, our dentists will examine your back teeth to see if they need to touch up the sealants. In general, you can expect your sealants to last up to 10 years as long as you practice good oral hygiene at home.
Dental sealants can last 5-10 years with proper care. Some sealants may last even longer, depending on your oral hygiene habits and the wear patterns of your teeth.
Not at all! Applying dental sealants is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. No drilling or anesthesia is needed. The tooth is simply cleaned, prepared with a mild acid solution, rinsed, dried, and then the sealant is painted on and hardened with a special light. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth.
No, sealants are a preventive tool that works alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups—not a replacement for them.
In some cases, sealants can be placed over very early stages of decay to prevent further progression. However, if a cavity has already formed, it typically needs to be treated with a filling first. During your examination, Dr. [dentist_last] will determine whether sealants alone are appropriate or if other treatment is needed.
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teenagers, typically up to age 18. Coverage for adults varies by plan. Sealants are considered a preventive treatment, so they’re often covered at a high percentage (usually 80-100%) when applied to permanent molars. We’ll help verify your coverage before treatment.
While cavities are relatively common, there’s a lot you can do to protect your oral health. But first, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with one of our family dentists in Grandville, MI, by calling the Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 739-6001. We hope we hear from you soon!