Dental Sealants
Professional Dental Sealants
What You Need to Know
What it is: Thin protective coating applied to teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants block bacteria and food particles from getting trapped in hard-to-clean grooves on your molars.
Typical appointment time: 10-15 minutes, painless and non-invasive
Recovery/Results timeline: None - eat normally after; hardens instantly
- • Kids and teens with grooves in molars
- • Cavity-prone patients seeking prevention
- • Adults with deep grooves vulnerable to decay
- • Cost-effective cavity prevention
Understanding Dental Sealants
Simple Prevention Against Cavities
Cavities start where your toothbrush can't reach. The deep grooves and pits on your molars are perfect hiding spots for cavity-causing bacteria and food particles. Even with excellent brushing, these areas are hard to clean thoroughly. That's where dental sealants come in—they're like tiny protective shields that block bacteria from accessing these vulnerable spots.
As a parent, you may worry about your child's first cavity or struggle to keep up with their brushing habits. Dental sealants are a simple solution that works even when brushing isn't perfect. They're thin plastic coatings applied directly to the chewing surfaces of molars, bonding to the tooth and hardening instantly to create a protective barrier. Studies show that sealants reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%—that's a significant reduction in cavity risk with just one quick application. The best part? They're painless, quick, and often fully covered by insurance.
Sealants are especially valuable for children ages 6-14, when permanent molars are erupting and kids are still developing their brushing habits. But they're not just for kids. Adults with deep grooves, a history of cavities, or cavity-prone mouths can benefit significantly from sealants. If you've found yourself filling cavities repeatedly in the same back teeth, sealants offer affordable prevention. We apply sealants as part of routine cleanings or during your next appointment—no special visits needed.
For busy Nashville families, sealants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cavities before they start. They're an investment in your family's long-term oral health and can save you money on fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments down the road.
Your Sealant Application
What to Expect During Sealant Placement
Before Your Appointment
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No special preparation needed
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Sealants are usually applied during your regular cleaning appointment
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Bring your insurance card to confirm coverage
During Your Visit
Examination and Assessment
We'll examine each molar to identify deep grooves and pits that are good candidates for sealing. We check that the tooth is healthy and cavity-free—sealants prevent cavities but can't treat existing decay.
Professional Cleaning
We thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces of your molars to remove any plaque, tartar, or food debris. A clean surface ensures the sealant bonds properly and lasts longer.
Etching and Drying
We apply a mild acid etchant to roughen the tooth surface microscopically. This helps the sealant material adhere better. We then rinse and dry the tooth completely—moisture is the enemy of sealant bonding.
Sealant Application
We apply the liquid sealant material to the grooves of your molars. The material flows into the deep pits and grooves, filling all the spaces where bacteria typically hide.
Hardening with Curing Light
We use a special blue light to harden the sealant instantly, creating a strong protective coating that bonds directly to your tooth. The entire process is painless and takes just a few minutes per tooth.
After Treatment
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Eat and drink normally right away—there's no recovery period
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Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine
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Sealants typically last 5-10 years with proper care
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Return for checkups so we can monitor your sealants and reapply if needed
Is This Right for You?
Good Candidates for Dental Sealants
You may be a good candidate if:
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Children ages 6-14 with permanent molars that have deep grooves
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Teens and young adults seeking cavity prevention
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Adults with deep grooves vulnerable to decay
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Anyone with a history of cavities looking for extra protection
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Patients wanting the most cost-effective cavity prevention available
Other options may be better if:
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If decay has already started in a groove, a cavity filling is needed instead
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For comprehensive prevention, combine sealants with regular cleanings and good oral hygiene
Sealants are one of the best investments in preventing cavities—especially for families with cavity-prone kids or adults with deep grooves. At just $30-$60 per tooth and often fully covered by insurance for children, they're far more affordable than treating cavities later. Not sure if you or your child is a good candidate? Schedule a quick consultation, and we'll assess your grooves and recommend sealants if they'll make a real difference for your smile.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They work by blocking bacteria and food particles from getting into the deep grooves where cavities typically start. The sealant material is safe, durable, and invisible when applied.
How much do dental sealants cost in Nashville?
Dental sealants typically cost $30-$60 per tooth, making them one of the most affordable cavity prevention methods available. Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children under 18 at 80-100% after your deductible. Coverage for adults varies by plan but is becoming more common. We strongly recommend bringing your insurance card so we can verify your specific coverage. We also offer payment plans and accept FSA/HSA payments to make preventive care affordable for every family.
Do dental sealants hurt?
No, not at all. The application is completely painless and non-invasive. There are no needles, no drilling, and no anesthesia needed. Children and adults alike find sealant application quick and easy.
When should kids get dental sealants?
The best time is shortly after permanent molars erupt, typically around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. However, sealants can be beneficial at any age. We recommend applying them during regular checkups as soon as permanent molars are fully erupted.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants typically last 5-10 years with normal wear and good oral hygiene. Over time, the sealant material can wear down or chip, so we monitor your sealants during regular checkups. We can easily reapply sealants if needed.
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
Yes, most insurance plans cover dental sealants well. For children under 18, coverage is typically 80-100% after your deductible, and many plans waive the deductible for preventive services. For adults, coverage varies—some plans cover sealants, while others don't. We strongly encourage you to bring your insurance card to your appointment so we can verify your specific benefits. If you don't have insurance, our cash price of $30-$60 per tooth is still very affordable compared to the cost of treating a cavity ($100-$300) or a root canal ($500+). Prevention truly is the best value.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. While most commonly applied to children, adults with deep grooves, a history of cavities, or high cavity risk can also benefit from sealants. We assess your individual needs and recommend sealants when they'll provide the most benefit.
Complementary Treatments
You May Also Be Interested In
Cavity Fillings
Quick, painless procedure to repair cavities and restore your tooth's function. Modern composite fillings restore your tooth's strength while looking completely natural.
Family Dentist
One-stop dental care for all family members from infants to seniors. Comprehensive services addressing the needs of every age group under one roof.
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentistry provides specialized dental care designed specifically for children's needs, from their first tooth through their teenage years. Kids dentists have extra training in working with children and creating comfortable, anxiety-free dental experiences.
Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams
Teeth cleaning and dental exams are routine preventive services that remove plaque and tartar buildup and check for oral health issues to prevent problems before they start.
Protect Your Family's Smiles
Schedule Dental Sealants in Nashville
Dental sealants are a simple, affordable way to prevent cavities before they start. Especially valuable for kids, but beneficial for anyone seeking cavity prevention. Schedule your sealant appointment at Nations Dental Studio today and give your teeth the protection they need.
Reviews
We have worked with thousands of amazing patients
Nations Dental Studio has over 448 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Google
"I always dread the dentist but Dr. D'Aoust made me feel so comfortable. She was personable and friendly. 10 out of 10 recommend!!"
"Totally love this place! Everyone I met on my first visit today was fabulous. I had been impressed with Dr. D'Aoust at a practice where she had worked previously, and when my insurance changed, I decided to give her new practice a try. Not only is she great, but the staff she has working with her is wonderful. Professional, personable, thorough, and delightful. Who knew one could look forward to the next trip to the dentist's office? Thanks for a great experience today!"
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"I always dread the dentist but Dr. D'Aoust made me feel so comfortable. She was personable and friendly. 10 out of 10 recommend!!"
"Totally love this place! Everyone I met on my first visit today was fabulous. I had been impressed with Dr. D'Aoust at a practice where she had worked previously, and when my insurance changed, I decided to give her new practice a try. Not only is she great, but the staff she has working with her is wonderful. Professional, personable, thorough, and delightful. Who knew one could look forward to the next trip to the dentist's office? Thanks for a great experience today!"
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
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