Dental Sealants in Gilbert, AZ
One of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent cavities — quick, painless, and proven to reduce decay risk by nearly 80%.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth — the molars and premolars where the vast majority of cavities develop. At Dentists 'R Us in Gilbert, AZ, we have been applying sealants for over 25 years, protecting thousands of East Valley children (and adults) from unnecessary decay and the fillings that follow.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. It is one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments in all of dentistry — and it takes just minutes per tooth.
Research shows dental sealants reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. They are one of the most proven preventive tools in dentistry.
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. Bacteria and food can no longer get trapped, and the tooth is shielded from acid attacks. Think of it as a raincoat for your teeth.
The Sealant Process — Quick & Painless
Applying sealants is one of the fastest, most comfortable procedures in dentistry. No drilling, no needles, no anesthesia — just a simple 4-step process that takes a few minutes per tooth:
Clean
We thoroughly clean the tooth surface to remove any plaque or debris from the grooves.
Prepare
A gentle etching solution is applied for a few seconds to help the sealant bond securely.
Apply
The liquid sealant material is painted into the grooves, flowing into every fissure.
Cure
A special curing light hardens the sealant in seconds, creating a durable protective shield.
That is it — no recovery time, no restrictions. Your child can eat and drink immediately after. The sealant is clear or tooth-colored, so it is virtually invisible.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Children & Teens (Ages 6–16)
We recommend sealants for all children as soon as their permanent molars erupt — typically around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. These cavity-prone years are when sealants provide the greatest benefit. Applying sealants early, before decay has a chance to start, is the most effective approach.
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.
Baby Teeth (Select Cases)
In some cases, we may recommend sealants on baby teeth — particularly the primary molars — if they have unusually deep grooves. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, so keeping them healthy and decay-free is important for proper development.
Protect Your Family's Smiles
Sealants are quick, painless, and can save your child from years of fillings. Ask about them at your next visit.
Sealants vs. Fillings: A Smart Investment
A dental sealant costs a fraction of what a filling costs — and it prevents the cavity entirely rather than repairing damage after the fact. Over a child's lifetime, sealants can save thousands of dollars in restorative dental work while preserving the natural tooth structure that no filling can fully replace.
Even from a comfort perspective, the choice is clear: a painless sealant application that takes minutes versus the drilling, numbing, and recovery that comes with treating a cavity. Prevention is always the better path.
The American Dental Association, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend dental sealants as a safe, 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 at every routine visit. If a sealant chips or wears down, we can easily reapply it — the process is just as quick and painless as the original application.
Sealants at a Glance
- Procedure time — Just a few minutes per tooth
- Pain level — None — no drilling, no needles
- Durability — Up to 10 years with proper care
- Best for — Children ages 6–16, cavity-prone adults
- Cost — Typically covered by insurance for children; a fraction of the cost of a filling
Dental Sealants in Gilbert & the East Valley
At Dentists 'R Us, we have been applying sealants and protecting young smiles for over 25 years. Families across Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley trust our experienced team with their children's preventive care. We see the whole family under one roof, and many of our patients started coming here as kids themselves.
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. It is one of the easiest, most impactful things you can do for long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years with proper care. We check their condition at every routine visit and reapply them if they show signs of wear or chipping. Many sealants last the full decade without needing replacement.
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children under 18 — often at 100% as a preventive benefit. Coverage for adults varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, dental sealants are completely safe. They are made from BPA-free, medical-grade resin that has been used in dentistry for decades. The American Dental Association, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all endorse sealants as a safe and effective cavity-prevention tool.
Not at all. Applying sealants is completely painless — no drilling, no needles, no anesthesia needed. The process feels similar to having your teeth painted. Most children tolerate the procedure very easily.
Yes! Adults who have deep grooves in their molars and no existing fillings or decay in those teeth can benefit significantly from sealants. They are especially useful for adults who are prone to cavities or have difficulty reaching back teeth with a toothbrush.
We recommend sealants as soon as the permanent molars come in. The first molars typically erupt around age 6 and the second molars around age 12. Applying sealants immediately protects these newly erupted teeth during the most cavity-prone years.
Ready to Get Started?
Protect your child's teeth before cavities start. Ask about sealants at your next visit.