Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a simple and effective way to protect teeth from cavities, especially in children and some adults. At Empress Walk Dental in North York, we offer dental sealants as a preventive treatment to help keep your or your child’s teeth healthy, strong, and cavity-free.
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How Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, mainly the back molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves where food particles and bacteria easily get trapped. Sealants seal off deep pits and grooves, preventing plaque and bacteria from settling in hard-to-clean areas. It also reduces the risk of tooth decay before cavities form.
Once applied, the sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria, helping protect the enamel during everyday eating and chewing.
Simply put, a dental sealant is a protective layer that keeps out harmful bacteria from the surface of your child’s back teeth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a simple, effective way to protect teeth, especially for kids and teens in busy Canadian communities like Toronto. Here’s a list of their key benefits:
Cavity Prevention
Sealants block food and bacteria from deep grooves, reducing cavity risk by up to 80%.
Painless Application
The process is quick, non-invasive, and comfortable, with no drilling required.
Cost Savings
By preventing cavities, sealants reduce the need for expensive fillings or treatments.
Long-Lasting Protection
Sealants can last 5–10 years with proper care, keeping teeth safe for years.
Ideal for All Ages
Perfect for children’s molars and adults with decay-prone teeth, offering versatile protection.
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Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children, but they are not limited to kids only.
Sealants For Children
Dental sealants are most effective when placed as soon as permanent molars erupt. The early treatment helps protect these teeth during the years when children are most prone to cavities.
- First permanent molars: around ages 6-7
- Second permanent molars: around ages 11-13
Sealants For Teens and Adults
Adults may also benefit from dental sealants if they have deep grooves in their back teeth, have no existing fillings or decay in those teeth, or are prone to cavities despite good oral hygiene. Sealants are preventive, not restorative, so they are only suitable for healthy, cavity-free teeth.
Are All Teeth Suitable for Sealants?
Not all teeth need or can receive dental sealants. Sealants are best suited for back teeth (molars and premolars) and teeth with deep pits and grooves. However, they’re not usually applied to front teeth (they have smoother surfaces) and teeth with existing decay or fillings. Your dentist will assess each tooth individually to decide where sealants are beneficial.
Dental sealing process
If your dentist or oral hygienist at Empress Walk Dental makes a recommendation for your kid to get dental sealants, it’s time to schedule an appointment. During the procedure, an experienced dentist will:
The dentist gently dries the teeth. He or she will then place an absorbent material such as cotton wool around the teeth being sealed to keep them dry during the procedure.
The dentist gently dries the teeth. He or she will then place an absorbent material such as cotton wool around the teeth being sealed to keep them dry during the procedure.
Next, the doctor will cover the specific teeth being sealed using an acidic solution to help the sealant material bond successfully with the tooth enamel.
Once the teeth are rinsed and dried again, the dentist will apply the sealants, which are usually brushed onto the molars and premolars.
Some instances may require the dentist to use some special light to harden the sealant.
Cost & Insurance Coverage of Dental Sealants North York
The cost of dental sealants can vary depending on the number of teeth treated and whether the patient is a child or an adult. Generally, sealants are usually more affordable than fillings (around $100), and many dental insurance plans cover this treatment.
Our team can help you understand your coverage and provide clear cost estimates before treatment. We also offer dental care services through the CDCP. Since this program covers dental sealants for eligible patients, we’ll help you understand your coverage and use your CDCP benefits.
Payment Plans at Empress Walk Dental
Payment Plans
Installment Payment Plans
Insurance Acceptance
Cash and Credit Card Payments
For more information or to schedule aconsultation, you can call us or book appointment
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At Empress Walk Dental, we don’t want the cost to stand in the way of your dream smile. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make cosmetic treatments more affordable. Our team will explain all costs upfront and help you choose a payment option that works best for your budget.
What to Expect During Your Dental Sealant Appointment?
Patients often choose dental sealants because the treatment is easy and stress-free.
During the visit:
- No anesthesia is needed
- No discomfort or pain
- Short appointment time
How long does it take?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being sealed.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
The process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. No drilling or injections are required.
- First, the tooth is cleaned and dried
- A gentle conditioning gel is applied to help the sealant bond
- The sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface
- A special light is used to harden the sealant
Are Dental Sealants Always Effective?
Dental sealants are highly effective, but they are not a replacement for good oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to remember that they significantly reduce the risk of cavities. However, they work best when combined with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
Moreover, sealants can wear down or chip over time, which is why regular dental checkups are important.
Risks & Limitations of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are considered very safe, but like any dental treatment, they have limitations.
- Sealants are not suitable for teeth with existing decay
- They may occasionally wear off and need repair
- Rarely, sealants may not bond properly and need reapplication
Your dentist will always check that sealants are appropriate before recommending them.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise in Cosmetic Dentistry
Bringing over 20 years of experience in family dentistry and preventive care.
Conveniently located in the heart of North York near Yonge Street and Empress Avenue.
With advanced tools and techniques, we provide precise and comfortable results.
Insurance & financing options
We design treatment plans that match your unique needs and goals.
We want to see you!
Empress Walk Dental is a full-service dental clinic offering services near North York Centre and we are looking forward to being the first choice for you and your family’s dental care!
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Dental Sealant Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental sealants are completely painless. The procedure does not involve drilling, injections, or removing any tooth structure. Most patients, especially children, feel very comfortable during the appointment, making it an ideal preventive treatment for kids and teens.
Dental sealants are durable, but they can wear down over time due to chewing and normal use. During your regular dental checkups, we examine the sealants to make sure they are still intact. If needed, they can be easily repaired or reapplied to maintain protection.
No, sealants do not replace daily oral hygiene. They protect the chewing surfaces of teeth, but brushing and flossing are still essential for cleaning the sides of teeth and along the gumline. Sealants work best when combined with good oral care habits and routine dental visits.
While dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children, adults can also benefit from them. Adults with deep grooves in their back teeth and no existing decay or fillings may be good candidates.
Your child can eat and drink right after the appointment. There is no downtime or special recovery period. However, maintaining regular brushing and avoiding excessive sugary foods will help keep the sealants effective for a longer time.
Dental sealants are highly effective at reducing the risk of cavities, especially on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. However, they are not a guarantee against decay. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are still important to maintain overall dental health.
