Dental sealants are a preventive measure in which the grooves and small pits on the surface of the teeth are covered with a special material.
The goal is to better protect hard-to-clean surfaces from the buildup of food debris and the development of cavities.
Dental sealants are commonly used in children, especially on permanent molars after they erupt.
Why do children's molars decay so easily?
The surface we chew on isn't perfectly smooth.
Molars have very small grooves and pits where bacterial plaque and food debris can accumulate.
A toothbrush doesn't always reach the deepest areas effectively.
For children, the situation can be even more challenging because their brushing technique is still developing.
These areas can thus become vulnerable to tooth decay.
How does sealing work?
The dentist cleans and prepares the surface of the tooth, then applies the sealing material to the grooves of the molar.
Once cured, the material forms a surface that is easier to keep clean and protects those areas.
The procedure is conservative: its purpose is prevention.
At what age are teeth sealed?
There is no single age that applies to all children.
The right time depends mainly on when the tooth erupts and the risk of cavities, not just on the child's age.
The first permanent molars usually appear around the time a child starts school and are often mistaken for baby teeth because they emerge behind them without replacing another tooth.
The other permanent molars come in later.
The dentist may recommend a sealant once the tooth has erupted enough to allow the procedure to be performed properly.
Can only permanent teeth be sealed?
Dental sealants are most commonly associated with the permanent molars of children and adolescents, but clinical guidelines also take primary molars into account in certain situations.
The decision depends on the tooth's anatomy and the child's risk of developing cavities.
That is why it is not necessary for the parent to decide on their own which teeth should be sealed.
The doctor can identify them during the consultation.
Does the filling hurt?
Typically, a filling does not involve the removal of a significant amount of tooth structure, as is the case with cavity treatment.
The procedure is generally well tolerated by children.
However, the child must be able to keep his or her mouth open, and the area must be kept in the proper condition for applying the material.
That is why his cooperation is important.
How long does it take to seal a tooth?
The procedure is relatively short, but the exact duration depends on:
- number of teeth;
- their position;
- how well they erupted;
- the child's cooperation;
- the materials and techniques used.
The dentist can decide whether to seal one or more teeth during the same appointment.
How long does a seal last?
Filling materials should be checked during dental checkups.
They can remain on the tooth for a long time, but they may wear down or be partially lost.
If necessary, the doctor may recommend repairing or reapplying the seal.
For this reason, sealing does not replace periodic inspections.
If we seal a child's teeth, will they never get cavities again?
No.
The sealant primarily protects the grooves and recesses to which it is applied.
Cavities can continue to develop:
- between the teeth;
- on other surfaces;
- at the level of the other teeth;
- in areas where hygiene is inadequate.
The child should continue to brush their teeth and have regular dental checkups.
Sealants are an additional preventive measure, not a substitute for oral hygiene.
Can a tooth that already has a cavity be filled?
The situation must be evaluated by a doctor.
There is a difference between healthy tooth surface, a very early lesion, and a cavity that has already formed.
If there is a cavity that requires restorative treatment, simply sealing it is not the same as treating it.
That is why the tooth must be examined beforehand.
Is sealing recommended for all children?
The risk of tooth decay varies from child to child.
The doctor takes into account factors such as:
- history of cavities;
- the anatomy of molars;
- oral hygiene;
- nutrition;
- age;
- the teething stage;
- the ability to keep the tooth clean.
Children at higher risk for cavities can benefit significantly from preventive measures tailored to their specific situation.
How much does it cost to get dental sealants for children?
At SmileCity, according to the current public price list, filling in cracks and potholes costs 180 lei.
To find out which teeth need to be sealed and whether the procedure is appropriate for your child, the first step is a consultation.
Dental Sealants for Children in Sector 6
SmileCity offers pediatric dental services in Bucharest, Sector 6, including:
- consultations;
- orientation sessions;
- seals;
- professional grooming and training;
- fillings;
- extractions of baby teeth.
The clinic is located at 158 Ghencea Boulevard and is accessible from Ghencea, Drumul Taberei, and Prelungirea Ghencea.
If your child's permanent molars have started to come in, a dental exam can determine whether it's the right time for sealants.
Why are the first permanent molars so important?
The first permanent molars usually appear around school age and can easily be confused with baby teeth, since they do not replace a tooth but erupt behind the existing ones. They are permanent teeth that must be preserved for the long term. Immediately after eruption, their surfaces may have deep grooves and may be difficult for a child to clean thoroughly, which is why the dentist frequently assesses whether sealants would be beneficial.
The seal must be checked during subsequent inspections
A seal is not a procedure that is done once and then forgotten. During regular checkups, the dentist checks to see if the material is still in place and if the edges are intact. If a part has worn down or come loose, it can be repaired or reapplied. Monitoring is important to ensure that the protection remains effective over time.
What can a parent do after the case has been sealed?
The child should continue to brush twice a day and clean between the teeth, depending on their age and the dentist’s recommendation. Sealants do not eliminate the need for good oral hygiene, nor do they compensate for very frequent consumption of sweet snacks. They protect certain vulnerable surfaces and work best as part of a broader prevention plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child's molars be sealed?
The timing is determined based on tooth eruption and the risk of tooth decay, not solely on age.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The procedure is generally well tolerated and is considered a preventive measure, not a treatment for deep cavities.
Are baby teeth also sealed?
In certain situations, the surfaces of the primary molars may also be taken into account. The dentist makes this decision based on the individual risk.
Does the seal need to be redone?
Seals should be checked during routine checkups. If the material has worn away or been lost, the doctor may recommend reapplying it.
How much does a dental sealant cost at SmileCity?
According to the current public price list, sealing ditches and gullies costs 180 lei. The rate must be confirmed at the time of scheduling.