Dental Sealants in North York
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.
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.
The process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being sealed.
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 teeth are cleaned and dried, and cotton is placed to keep them dry.
An acidic conditioning solution is applied so the sealant bonds to the enamel.
The teeth are rinsed and dried again.
The sealant is painted onto the molars and premolars.
A curing light is used to harden the sealant.
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.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide a simple way to protect vulnerable tooth surfaces and help reduce the risk of cavities.
Cavity Prevention
Sealants cover deep grooves where food and bacteria can collect, helping reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Painless Application
Treatment is quick and non-invasive, with no drilling or tooth removal required.
Cost Savings
Preventing cavities may help reduce the need for fillings and more extensive restorative treatment later.
Long-Lasting Protection
Sealants can provide protection for several years and can be checked during routine dental visits.
Protection for Different Ages
Sealants are commonly used for children and teens, and may also benefit adults with cavity-prone tooth grooves.
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.
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.
Cost & Insurance Coverage for Dental Sealants
Dental sealant costs can vary depending on the number of teeth treated and your individual treatment needs.
Sealant Cost
Sealants are generally an affordable preventive treatment and may help reduce the need for fillings or more extensive dental treatment later.
Dental Insurance
Many dental insurance plans may cover sealants, particularly for children. Our team can review your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before treatment.
Dental Sealants May Be Covered Through the CDCP
Eligible patients may receive coverage for dental sealants through the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We can help explain your coverage and any expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Still have a question ?
Call: (647) 503-4224
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes. Sealants have been used in dentistry for decades and only add a thin protective coating to the tooth surface. Nothing is drilled or removed from the tooth.
Do dental sealants hurt?
No. Placing a sealant needs no freezing and no drilling, and most patients feel little to no discomfort. The appointment is short and non-invasive.
How long do dental sealants last?
With good care, sealants can last 5–10 years. We check them at your regular visits and reapply if one chips or wears down.
At what age should children get sealants?
Usually, the first permanent molars come in (around ages 6–7), and then the second molars (around ages 11–13). Placing them early helps protect the teeth during the years children are most prone to cavities.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. Adults with deep grooves in their back teeth and no existing decay or fillings in those teeth can benefit too. Your dentist checks each tooth to confirm sealants are suitable.
Are dental sealants covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Many dental plans cover sealants, especially for children, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers them for eligible patients. Coverage depends on your plan; our team will review your details before treatment.
How much do dental sealants cost in North York?
Sealants are usually more affordable than fillings, starting from about $100 per tooth. The final fee depends on how many teeth are treated and is confirmed at your visit.
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!
