How Dental Sealants Work

The tooth surface is cleaned and prepared with a mild acid solution that helps the sealant bond. The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a curing light. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and is completely painless — no shots, no drilling. Sealants can last 5-10 years with proper care.

When Should Children Get Sealants?

• First molars: Erupt around age 6 — seal as soon as they are fully erupted
• Second molars: Erupt around age 12 — seal as soon as they are fully erupted
• Premolars: May also benefit from sealants
• Adults: Sealants can also benefit adults with deep grooves and no existing fillings

How Effective Are Sealants?

The CDC reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth for 2 years after application, and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years. Children without sealants are 3 times more likely to develop cavities in their molars than children with sealants.

Medicaid Covers Sealants

Florida Medicaid covers dental sealants for children on permanent molars. This means qualifying children can get this important preventive treatment at no cost. Call 786-600-0494 to schedule your child's sealant appointment.