Sealants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cavities in kids. A thin protective coating goes on the chewing surface of the back molars, sealing out the food particles and bacteria that cause decay. The application takes about a minute per tooth. No drilling, no shots, no discomfort. At Two Rivers Dental Group in Springfield, OR, Dr. Matthew Collins applies sealants when permanent molars erupt, usually around ages 6 and 12. They're one of the highest-value preventive tools we offer kids.
A thin, tooth-colored resin coating painted onto the chewing surface of a tooth. The resin hardens under a curing light and fills the deep grooves where food gets trapped.
The chewing surfaces of permanent back molars only. We don't seal front teeth or baby teeth in most cases. Molars are sealed because their grooves trap food.
Kids' new permanent molars have deep grooves that brushes can't fully clean. Sealants smooth those grooves out so food can't get stuck and cause cavities.
Which Teeth Get Sealed
Sealants protect the four permanent molars that are most cavity-prone. Here's when each one comes in and why each one needs protection.
The "six-year molars" come in behind the baby teeth without any baby teeth falling out first. Many parents don't realize they're permanent. They're the most important teeth to seal.
The "twelve-year molars" come in behind the first molars during the tween years. Their grooves are even deeper than the first molars, making them prime candidates for sealing.
The teeth between the canines and molars. We seal these only when they have visible deep grooves that put them at higher cavity risk. Not every child needs them sealed.
For kids who are at high cavity risk, we sometimes seal back baby molars to buy time until the permanent ones come in. We make this call based on each child's specific cavity history.
The Application
Sealant application is fast, painless, and one of the easiest visits in the dental office. Here's exactly what happens.
The tooth is cleaned and polished to remove any plaque or food. This makes sure the sealant bonds properly to the enamel.
A gentle etching gel is brushed on for a few seconds to create a slightly rough surface. The tooth is then rinsed and dried.
The liquid sealant is painted onto the chewing surface, settling into the grooves. A small blue light hardens it in about 20 seconds.
Dr. Collins checks that the sealant doesn't interfere with the bite. Any small adjustments are made and your child is done.
Why It Matters
A side-by-side look at what changes when a child's molars are sealed versus left unprotected.
The Math on Sealants
Sealants are one of the few preventive treatments where the cost-benefit equation is genuinely lopsided in your favor. Here's why.
Sealants are one of the most affordable treatments in dentistry. Most insurance plans cover them at 100% for kids, and even without insurance the out-of-pocket cost is far less than a single filling.
One sealant prevents the need for a filling, which prevents the eventual need for a crown, which prevents the eventual need for a root canal or replacement. The savings compound over decades.
Once a tooth has a filling, it's no longer fully natural. Sealants keep the tooth structure intact. A sealed tooth at 12 can still be a fully natural tooth at 50 if it never needs further work.
Two Rivers Dental Group serves families across Springfield, Eugene, Coburg, Thurston, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, and the surrounding Lane County communities. Our office at 1717 Centennial Blvd, Suite #3 is open Tuesday through Friday. Call (541) 746-9552 to schedule your child's next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule a sealant appointment at our Springfield office. Quick, painless, and one of the smartest preventive moves in dentistry.
Call (541) 746-9552