Dental Sealants for Children in Denver, CO
At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer dental sealants as one of our most effective tools for cavity prevention. Sealants provide an extra layer of protection for the teeth most vulnerable to decay — the back molars — and are a quick, painless, and highly effective way to help your child avoid cavities for years to come.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The chewing surfaces of these teeth are naturally rough and filled with tiny pits and grooves that trap food particles and bacteria — even in children who brush and floss properly. These grooves are too narrow for a toothbrush to clean effectively, making back teeth the most common site for cavities in children.
Sealants work by filling in and sealing those grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean and much less hospitable to the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The sealant forms a physical barrier between the tooth enamel and anything that could cause decay.
How Effective Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are highly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where approximately 9 in 10 cavities in children occur. Children without sealants are nearly three times more likely to develop cavities in the molars than children with sealants.
Sealants can last for several years with proper care and are checked at every routine visit. If a sealant shows signs of wear or chipping, it can be reapplied easily.
When Should My Child Get Sealants?
Sealants are most commonly recommended when your child’s permanent molars first come in, typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars. Getting sealants applied as soon as these teeth erupt provides protection right away, before any decay has a chance to start.
In some cases, sealants can also be applied to primary (baby) teeth if they have deep grooves and the child has a higher risk of cavities. Dr. Kojo Danso will evaluate your child’s teeth and recommend sealants at the most beneficial time.
What to Expect During the Sealant Application
The process of applying dental sealants is quick, completely painless, and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Dr. Danso or one of our hygienists will first clean and dry the tooth thoroughly. A mild acidic solution is then applied briefly to roughen the surface slightly — this helps the sealant bond securely. The tooth is rinsed and dried again before the sealant liquid is carefully painted onto the grooves. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant in place.
The whole process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth and your child can eat and drink normally right after the appointment.
Sealants as Part of a Complete Prevention Plan
Sealants are one important layer of protection, but they work best when combined with a full preventive routine. We recommend pairing sealants with regular dental cleanings and exams, professional fluoride treatments, a low-sugar diet, and consistent brushing and flossing at home. Together, these measures give your child’s teeth the best possible protection.
For more information about sealants or to schedule an appointment for your child in Denver, CO,, contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry today at (303) 757-8844.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes. Dental sealants are safe for children and have been used for decades as a preventive treatment. They are endorsed by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective and safe way to protect children’s teeth from decay.
At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Sealants are most commonly applied when the permanent first molars come in around age 6, and again when the second molars arrive around age 12. Getting them applied right when those teeth erupt provides the best protection. In some cases, sealants are also placed on baby teeth with deep grooves.
Does the sealant application hurt?
Not at all. The process is completely painless — no drilling, no injections, no removal of tooth structure. Most children find it very easy to tolerate. The entire application takes just a few minutes per tooth.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants typically last several years when cared for properly. We check the condition of your child’s sealants at every preventive visit. If a sealant shows wear or chipping, it can be reapplied quickly and easily.
Do sealants mean my child doesn’t need to brush or floss?
No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but they don’t cover the sides or spaces between teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are still essential. Sealants are one layer of protection — not a replacement for good oral hygiene.
Will dental insurance cover sealants for my child?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, particularly on permanent molars. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling our office at (303) 757-8844 with your insurance information and we’ll help verify your benefits before the appointment.
Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
Sealants are designed for healthy teeth with no decay present. If a tooth already has a cavity, it will need to be treated with a filling first. In some cases, a very early lesion may be treated differently — Dr. Danso will evaluate each tooth and recommend the appropriate course of action.