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Dental Sealants in Lakewood, CO
Dental sealants in Lakewood, CO are a quick, simple way to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities, for kids and adults alike.
The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves where food and bacteria collect and a toothbrush has trouble reaching. A sealant is a thin coating painted into those grooves to seal them off from decay.
Lakewood Smiles applies sealants as part of preventive care for the whole family. We will tell you which teeth could benefit, explain how sealants work in plain language, and answer your questions before we begin.
- Thin protective coating for back teeth
- Usually no drilling or numbing
- Helps prevent cavities in deep grooves
- For children, teens, and adults
What dental sealants are
A sealant is a thin, tooth-colored or clear plastic coating that bonds into the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Once it hardens, it forms a smooth shield that keeps food and bacteria out of places where cavities often start.
Sealants work well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants prevent about 80 percent of cavities in the back teeth for two years after they are placed, and continue to protect against about half of cavities for up to four years. They work alongside, not instead of, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular checkups.
Who sealants are for
Sealants are most often placed for children and teens, ideally soon after the permanent molars come in, which is usually around age six and again around age twelve. Sealing these teeth early protects them through the years when cavities are most common.
Adults can benefit too, especially those with deep grooves on molars that have no decay or fillings yet. Sealants are only placed on healthy tooth surfaces, so a tooth that already has a cavity needs a filling instead. Sealants fit naturally into a family dentistry routine of exams and cleanings.
What to expect when sealants are applied
Applying sealants is quick and usually needs no numbing or drilling. Each tooth is cleaned and dried, and a mild solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond. The tooth is rinsed and dried again, and the liquid sealant is painted into the grooves.
A special light then hardens the sealant in a few seconds, and the dentist checks your bite. The whole process takes only a few minutes per tooth, and you can eat and drink normally right afterward.
Aftercare for sealants
There is no special recovery. Your bite may feel slightly different for a day or so, which usually settles on its own. To help sealants last, avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard objects.
Sealants are checked at each dental cleaning and exam, and a worn or chipped sealant can usually be repaired or reapplied. Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth daily, since sealants protect the chewing surfaces but not the sides of the teeth.
Insurance and payment for sealants
Many dental plans cover sealants for children and teens on their permanent molars, often with an age limit. Coverage for adults is less common, so it is worth checking your plan before the visit.
Lakewood Smiles accepts select plans from Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Humana, MetLife, Guardian and Medicaid. Not every plan from each carrier is accepted, so please call 303-988-6860 before your visit and we can check whether we are in network with your specific plan. Any estimate is based on information from your dental benefits company and is not a guarantee of payment. You can see the insurance list and billing notes on our contact page.
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Common questions about sealants
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are usually placed soon after the permanent molars come in. The first molars typically appear around age six and the second molars around age twelve, so those are common times to seal them. Sealing teeth early protects them through the years when cavities are most likely. Your dentist will check which teeth have come in fully and are ready for sealants at each visit.
Do sealants hurt?
No. Placing sealants does not involve drilling or shots, and most children find it easy to sit through. The teeth are cleaned, a solution is applied, the sealant is painted on, and a light hardens it. The main challenge for young children is keeping the teeth dry for a few minutes. Afterward there is no recovery time, and your child can eat and drink normally.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last several years with normal chewing, and they often protect teeth through the cavity-prone childhood and teen years. They can wear down or chip over time, especially with hard foods or grinding. Your dentist checks them at each checkup, and if a sealant is worn or missing in spots, it can usually be repaired or reapplied quickly without redoing the whole tooth.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. Sealants are not just for children. Adults with deep pits and grooves on their back teeth that have no decay or fillings can benefit from them, especially if they have had cavities in the past. A tooth that already has a cavity or a filling on the chewing surface is not a candidate. At your exam, the dentist can tell you whether any of your teeth would benefit.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes. Sealants have been used for decades and are supported by the American Dental Association and the CDC as a safe, effective way to prevent cavities. Some people ask about BPA. The American Dental Association notes that any exposure from sealants is very low, far less than from everyday sources. If you have questions about the materials, ask at your visit and the dentist will walk you through them.
If my child has sealants, can they still get cavities?
Yes. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but cavities can still form between teeth and along the gumline, and a sealant that has worn away leaves the groove exposed again. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and regular checkups are still important, and the sealants add an extra layer of protection.