Dental Sealants in Gilbert, AZ
A straightforward preventive treatment that, per CDC public health guidance, can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in molars.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth — the molars and premolars where cavities commonly develop. At Dentists 'R Us in Gilbert, AZ, we apply sealants for children, teens, and adults as part of our broader preventive approach.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. When recommended, sealant application can often be included as part of a regular checkup.
The CDC reports that school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants — one reason sealants are widely recommended as a preventive treatment.
How Sealants Protect Your Teeth
The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves and pits — called fissures — that trap food particles and bacteria. Even with diligent brushing, toothbrush bristles often cannot reach the bottom of these narrow grooves. Over time, bacteria multiply and produce acids that eat through enamel, creating cavities.
Sealants fill these grooves with a thin layer of protective resin, creating a smooth surface that is easy to keep clean. This makes it harder for bacteria and food to get trapped, giving the tooth an added layer of protection from acid attacks. Think of it as a raincoat for your teeth.
The Sealant Application Process
Applying sealants does not involve drilling, needles, or anesthesia — just a simple 4-step process:
Clean
We thoroughly clean the tooth surface to remove any plaque or debris from the grooves.
Prepare
An etching solution is applied briefly to help the sealant bond securely.
Apply
The liquid sealant material is painted into the grooves and fissures of the tooth.
Cure
A curing light hardens the sealant, turning it into a protective shield over the tooth.
That is the whole process. The sealant material is clear or tooth-colored, so it blends in with the natural tooth.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Your dentist can recommend sealants based on each patient's cavity risk and tooth development.
Children & Teens
We often recommend sealants for children once their permanent molars come in. Whether sealants are a good fit for your child depends on their individual risk of decay.
Adults
Adults with deep grooves in their molars who do not have existing fillings or decay can also benefit from sealants. They are especially valuable for adults who are cavity-prone, have dry mouth (which increases decay risk), or have difficulty reaching their back teeth with a toothbrush.
Protect Your Family's Smiles
Sealants are a simple preventive step that can help your child avoid cavities. Ask about them at your next visit.
Sealants vs. Fillings: A Smart Investment
A sealant protects the tooth before a cavity can start, rather than repairing damage after the fact. Preventing decay early also helps preserve your child's natural tooth structure over the long term.
Sealant application involves no drilling or numbing — a contrast worth considering when compared with the work involved in treating a cavity. For cavity-prone molars, preventing decay is generally preferable to repairing it.
Public health guidance, including from the CDC, describes dental sealants as an effective way to prevent cavities in children.
Caring for Sealed Teeth
Sealants are durable, but they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene. To get the most out of your sealants, we recommend continuing to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to clean between teeth where sealants do not cover, avoiding chewing ice, hard candy, or sticky foods that can damage sealants, and attending regular checkups so we can monitor their condition.
We check sealants during your routine visits. If a sealant chips or wears down, we can reapply it using the same straightforward process as the original application.
Sealants at a Glance
- Procedure time — Varies by how many teeth are treated
- Application — No drilling or needles are involved
- Durability — Checked at routine visits and reapplied if worn or chipped
- Typically recommended for — Patients with newly erupted molars, and cavity-prone adults after an exam
- Cost — Coverage varies by plan; check with your insurance provider about preventive benefits
Dental Sealants in Gilbert & the East Valley
Sealant treatment at Dentists 'R Us is provided by Dr. Ali Nia, DMD, and Dr. Ryan Nia, DMD. Sealants are available for children, teens, and cavity-prone adults — whether they are a good fit is determined after an exam. Our office is located in Gilbert, AZ, and we serve families across the surrounding East Valley.
If your child's permanent molars have recently come in — or if you are an adult wondering whether sealants could help you — schedule a visit and we will take a look. After an exam, we can let you know whether sealants are a good fit for your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long a sealant lasts varies from patient to patient, depending on diet, habits, and the tooth itself. We check their condition at your routine visits and can reapply them if they show signs of wear or chipping.
Confirm your specific benefits with your insurance provider before your visit.
Sealants have been used in dentistry for many years and are described in public health guidance, including from the CDC, as an effective cavity-prevention tool for children. The material is painted onto the tooth without drilling or numbing.
Applying sealants involves no drilling, needles, or anesthesia. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth as a liquid and then hardened with a curing light.
Yes. Adults who have deep grooves in their molars and no existing fillings or decay in those teeth may be candidates for sealants after an exam. They can be especially useful for adults who are prone to cavities or have difficulty reaching back teeth with a toothbrush.
We often recommend sealants once the permanent molars come in. Your dentist can evaluate whether sealants are appropriate during a regular visit.
Ready to Get Started?
Thinking about sealants for your child? Ask about them at your next visit.