Protecting Smiles with Dental Sealants At North Langley Family Dental
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Dental sealants are one of the most effective and affordable preventive treatments available for protecting teeth from cavities. At North Langley Family Dental, we recommend sealants for children and teens in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and across the Fraser Valley as a safe, simple, and proven way to significantly reduce cavity risk in the back teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The deep grooves and pits on these surfaces are prime locations for cavities — they are narrow enough that toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them to remove trapped food and plaque. A sealant fills and covers these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean and resistant to bacterial attack.
Sealants are most commonly applied to permanent molars shortly after they erupt, while the tooth enamel is still maturing. The first permanent molars typically erupt around age 6, and the second molars around age 12.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The sealant application is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure:
- The tooth is cleaned and dried
- A mild etching solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond
- The tooth is rinsed and dried again
- The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a special curing light
The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth. Sealants are completely comfortable — there is nothing to numb.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants are durable and can last 5–10 years with normal use. We check the condition of sealants at each regular checkup appointment and can reapply them if they chip or wear down. Even a partially intact sealant provides more protection than no sealant at all.
Are Sealants Only for Children?
Sealants are most commonly placed on children’s and teenagers’ teeth because they are most susceptible to cavities in the newly erupted molars. However, adults without existing restorations or decay in their molar grooves can also benefit from sealants. If you have deep grooves in your back teeth, sealants are worth discussing at your next checkup.
Sealants as Part of a Comprehensive Prevention Plan
Sealants protect the grooves of back teeth — but they do not cover the sides of teeth or spaces between teeth where cavities also commonly form. Sealants work best as part of a complete prevention plan that includes daily brushing and flossing, regular fluoride treatments, limiting sugary and acidic foods, and attending checkups every six months.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which includes coverage for sealants for eligible children.
At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Sealants are typically recommended as soon as the permanent molars erupt — around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars. The earlier they are applied, the more cavity-free years the teeth enjoy. Ask your child's dentist at their next checkup whether sealants are appropriate.
Do sealants contain BPA?
Some dental sealant materials have contained trace amounts of BPA (bisphenol A). The amounts detected are extremely small and below levels considered harmful by Health Canada. Many modern sealant materials are now BPA-free. If this is a concern for you, ask us about the specific sealant material we use.
Can a tooth with a sealant still get a cavity?
A sealant protects the chewing surface it covers, but cavities can still develop on other surfaces of the tooth — particularly between teeth where the sealant does not reach. Daily flossing and regular checkups remain essential even with sealants in place.
Are sealants covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children up to a certain age (typically 14–18), usually at 80–100%. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) also includes sealant coverage for eligible children. We will verify your coverage before proceeding.
Do sealants hurt to apply?
Applying sealants is completely painless — there is no drilling, no needles, and nothing to numb. The process takes only a few minutes per tooth and is typically very well tolerated by children.
How effective are sealants at preventing cavities?
Studies have shown that dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in the back teeth by up to 80% in the first two years after application, with continued protection for many years. They are consistently recommended by the Canadian Dental Association as a proven preventive tool.
Visit North Langley Family Dental Today
Protect your child's teeth with dental sealants. Contact North Langley Family Dental at 604-888-6885 or book online. Serving families in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and the Fraser Valley.
