Preventive Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

Dental Sealants in Thunder Bay, ON

The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that a toothbrush can’t always reach. A dental sealant covers those grooves with a thin protective coating, applied in a single visit with no drilling involved.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth, usually a molar or premolar. It fills in the natural grooves and pits on top of the tooth, areas that are hard to clean with a toothbrush alone. The material hardens quickly under a curing light, so the whole process for one tooth takes just a few minutes. No drilling or numbing is needed for a straightforward sealant.

Why Sealants Matter

A sealant is a simple way to protect a specific part of the tooth. Here’s what it’s designed to do.

Covering Hard to Clean Grooves

The deep grooves on a molar’s chewing surface can trap food and plaque that a toothbrush bristle can’t fully reach.

Quick to Apply

A sealant takes just a few minutes per tooth and doesn’t require numbing or drilling.

Can Be Reapplied

If a sealant wears down over time, Dr. Ameen can check it at your regular checkup and reapply it if needed.

What Happens During Treatment

Here’s what a sealant appointment looks like.

Cleaning the Tooth

The tooth is cleaned and dried so the sealant material can bond properly to the surface.

Applying the Sealant

A thin layer of sealant material is painted into the grooves of the chewing surface.

Curing the Material

A curing light hardens the sealant in place within seconds.

Checking the Bite

Dr. Ameen checks that the sealant feels even and doesn’t affect your bite before you leave.

Caring for Sealants

Brush and floss as usual, since sealants don't change your regular home care routine
Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice, which can chip a sealant
Keep up with regular checkups so Dr. Ameen can check whether a sealant needs reapplying
Mention it if a sealant ever feels rough, chipped, or like it's come loose

Is This Right for You?

Sealants work well in certain situations. Here’s what Dr. Ameen looks at.

Deep Grooves on Back Teeth

Molars and premolars with deep pits and grooves are the most common candidates for a sealant.

Newly Erupted Molars

Sealing a molar soon after it comes in can protect the chewing surface from the start.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for sealants depends on how many teeth need one, so Dr. Ameen will give you an exact quote after checking your teeth. Whatever fee is quoted covers the full treatment for each tooth, including any associated costs, and it applies the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before treatment starts so you know what to expect.

A Quote Before You Start

You’ll know the cost per tooth before any sealant is applied.

Insurance Coordination

Many plans cover sealants, especially for children’s molars. We check your specific coverage ahead of time.

Paying Out of Pocket

If your plan doesn’t cover it, our front desk can walk you through the cost directly.

Dental Sealant FAQs

No, adults with deep grooves on their molars can benefit too. Sealants are common for children’s new molars, but Dr. Ameen can tell you if a sealant makes sense for your own teeth at any age.

Are sealants only for children?

No, adults with deep grooves on their molars can benefit too. Sealants are common for children’s new molars, but Dr. Ameen can tell you if a sealant makes sense for your own teeth at any age.

Does getting a sealant hurt?

No, there’s no drilling or numbing involved for a straightforward sealant. The tooth is cleaned, the material is painted on, and a curing light hardens it in place.

How long do sealants last?

It varies, but many last several years before needing a check or reapplication. Dr. Ameen checks sealants at your regular checkups as part of your normal visit.

Can a sealant fall out?

It can wear down or chip over time, which is why regular checkups matter. If that happens, Dr. Ameen can reapply the sealant at a regular visit.

Does insurance cover sealants?

Many plans cover sealants, especially for children’s molars. We confirm your specific coverage before treatment. If it’s not covered, our front desk can walk you through the cost directly.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.