When it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities, brushing and flossing are essential—but even with the best oral hygiene habits, certain areas of your teeth can still be vulnerable. That’s where dental sealants come in. This simple, painless treatment provides an extra layer of protection against decay, especially for children and teens.
At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we recommend dental sealants as an effective way to prevent cavities and maintain long-term oral health. Here’s everything you need to know about this quick and effective preventive treatment.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental Sealants are thin, plastic materials that are bonded to the pits and fissures or affected areas of our teeth. It forms a protective shield by sealing the deep grooves. This is usually done at the back of our teeth — premolars and molars.
Toothbrush bristles cannot reach all corners of our teeth. These barriers make the surface of our teeth smooth, making it easier to keep clean. Oftentimes, our molars are the most used teeth for eating and yet the most hard to reach are for cleaning. Dental Sealants play a vital role in keeping our teeth away from cavities and stay in its best shape.
Although sealants are most commonly applied to children’s teeth, adults with cavity-prone molars can also benefit from them.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important?
Molars are at high risk for cavities, especially in children and teenagers who may struggle with thorough brushing. The back teeth are harder to reach and clean, which allows plaque and food debris to settle into the deep grooves. Once a cavity forms, it requires a filling or more extensive treatment, but sealants help stop decay before it starts.
Benefits of Dental Sealants:
- Prevents cavities by sealing out food and bacteria.
- Painless and non-invasive—no drilling or numbing required.
- Long-lasting protection, typically 5–10 years with proper care.
- Cost-effective compared to treating cavities or tooth decay.
- Ideal for children, teens, and cavity-prone adults.
Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%, making them one of the best preventive treatments available.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants are most beneficial for:
- Children and Teenagers – Since cavities often develop in childhood, applying sealants to newly erupted permanent molars (around ages 6 and 12) can help protect teeth during the cavity-prone years.
- Adults with Deep Grooves in Their Teeth – If you are more susceptible to cavities due to the shape of your teeth, sealants can provide additional protection.
- Patients with a History of Cavities – If you’ve had frequent cavities in the past, sealants may help prevent future decay.
While sealants are most commonly used in pediatric dentistry, they are a valuable option for anyone looking to prevent tooth decay.
How Long Do Sealants Last?</h2
Dental sealants can last 5 to 10 years, depending on chewing habits and oral hygiene. During routine checkups, your dentist will check the sealants and reapply them if needed. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help extend their lifespan.
Are Sealants Covered by Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens, as they are considered a preventive treatment. For adults, coverage may vary. Our team at Pickett Family Dental can check your insurance benefits and discuss affordable options if you’re interested in sealants.
Prevent tooth decay from your children’s teeth
These preventive barriers are a simple yet effective way to avoid plaque accumulation, future damage, and more costly dental procedures.
As early as the age of 6, your child is highly recommended to get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars. Between the age of 6 to 14 are the years where children are most prone to cavities.
Pickett Family assures your child that this is a safe treatment. We do not use any drills and needles for this procedure. This may also encourage your children to visit the dentist frequently.
A study showed that children who performed dental sealants at a young age had 50% less dental casualties on their premolars after 4 years of this procedure compared to non-sealed teeth.
However, other members of the family can also benefit from getting dental sealants. They last up to 10 years, but regular check ups are still advisable for chipping and wearing. If chipping occurs, visit our clinic immediately.
Get the most affordable preventive procedure for your teeth
Dr. Pickett ensures a fast and less painful procedure for you. This treatment is quick and straightforward. Our clinic will perform a complete and thorough cleaning to make sure that all places in your mouth are clean.
Dental Sealant procedures usually take 30 to 60 minutes to seal the affected surface. Schedule an appointment with Pickett Family to know more about our packages and our dental insurance policies.
Aside from your oral health examination, Dr. Pickett will also consider your family history as these types of dental problems are also hereditary.
It is crucial to keep your teeth in good health. Getting Dental Sealants is one of the most affordable measures you can take to protect the health of your teeth.
Protect Your Teeth with Dental Sealants at Pickett Family Dental
Cavities can develop quickly, but dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection to keep your smile healthy. At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we offer sealants as part of our preventive dentistry services to help patients of all ages avoid tooth decay.
Schedule your appointment today and give your teeth the long-lasting protection they deserve!
