An Invisible Shield for Vulnerable Teeth

Dental Sealants

Did you know that 80% of cavities in children occur in the back teeth (molars)?

Even with excellent brushing skills, the back teeth are difficult to clean. Molars have deep grooves and pits (called fissures) on their chewing surfaces. These grooves are often narrower than a single bristle of a toothbrush, making them the perfect hiding spot for food particles, plaque, and bacteria.

At Nurture Kids Dentistry, we offer Dental Sealants as a proactive defense. Think of a sealant as a "raincoat" for the tooth—it covers the deep grooves, blocking out the "sugar bugs" and keeping the tooth surface smooth and easy to clean

When Are Sealants Recommended?

We typically recommend sealants as soon as the permanent molars erupt.

The "Six-Year Molars": The first permanent back teeth usually appear around age 6. Sealing them immediately protects them during the cavity-prone elementary school years.
The "Twelve-Year Molars": The second set of permanent molars appears around age 12. Protecting these ensures your teenager enters adulthood with strong, healthy teeth.

Note: In some cases, we may recommend sealants for baby teeth if they have exceptionally deep grooves and high cavity risk.

The Procedure: Fast, Easy, & Painless

One of the best things about dental sealants is that the process requires no numbing (shots) and no drilling. It is entirely non-invasive and takes just a few minutes per tooth.

Clean: We gently clean the tooth to remove any plaque or food.
Prep: A special gel is applied to the chewing surface for a few seconds. This roughens the enamel slightly (like sanding wood before painting) to help the sealant stick.
Seal: We rinse and dry the tooth, then paint the liquid sealant material into the deep grooves.
Harden: Dr. Jumani uses a special blue curing light to harden the sealant instantly.

Your child can eat and drink right away after the appointment!

Benefits of Sealants

Cost-Effective: Preventing a cavity is much cheaper (and easier!) than filling one.
Long-Lasting: Sealants can protect teeth for many years under the immense pressure of chewing.
Aesthetic: We use clear or tooth-colored sealants that are virtually invisible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Answers to Your Common Questions

Is the sealant material safe? (BPA Concerns)

Yes. We are very conscientious about the materials we put in your child’s mouth. We use high-quality, medical-grade sealant materials. While some dental resins contain trace derivatives of BPA, the exposure is infinitesimal—far less than what a person is exposed to by breathing air or handling a receipt. However, we also offer BPA-free options. Please feel free to ask Dr. Jumani about the specific materials we use during your visit.

Can you put a sealant over a tooth that already has a cavity?

Generally, no. We do not want to seal active decay inside the tooth, as it can continue to grow. However, if there is a very tiny area of "incipient" decay (a stain or pre-cavity that hasn't broken through the enamel), research shows that sealing over it can sometimes cut off the bacteria's food supply and stop the decay. Dr. Jumani will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.

Do sealants feel weird to bite on?

Because the sealant fills in the deep grooves, your child might feel like their bite is "high" or different for a few hours. This is normal! Since the material is plastic, the natural friction of chewing will wear it down to the perfect height within a day or two.

Will my insurance cover sealants?

Most dental insurance plans cover sealants at 100% for children up to age 14 or 15, as they are considered a major preventive measure. However, coverage usually applies only to permanent molars (not baby teeth). Our team will happily check your specific benefits before the procedure.

Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with Dr. Ketan Jumanji or our dental team for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions.

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Preventative Dentistry