Dental Sealants in Pooler, GA
Cavities in the back teeth are one of the most common dental problems for kids, and the grooves in growing molars make them especially hard to keep clean with a toothbrush alone, even with diligent brushing. If your child has had a cavity before, or if you just want to get ahead of the problem, dental sealants give you a simple way to add extra protection where it matters most.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, usually the molars and premolars. These teeth have small pits and grooves that are perfect for trapping food particles and bacteria, and even careful brushing can miss these tiny crevices. The sealant flows into those grooves and hardens, creating a smooth barrier that keeps food and plaque from settling in.
Sealants work by physically blocking the bacteria that cause tooth decay from reaching the enamel underneath. According to the CDC, dental sealants can prevent 80% of cavities over two years in the back teeth, where most cavities occur. That kind of protection can mean fewer fillings and less discomfort for your child down the road.
Who Benefits Most from Sealants?
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 14, as this is when the permanent molars come in. The first set typically arrives around age 6, with a second set following around age 12, and sealing these teeth soon after they erupt gives the best protection before decay has a chance to start.
That said, sealants are not just for kids. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can benefit from sealants too, especially if they are prone to cavities. In fact, adults aged 20 to 34 tend to have more untreated cavities in their back teeth than any other age group, so it is worth asking about sealants at any age if your molars are still healthy.
What to Expect During the Application Process
One of the best things about dental sealants is how simple the process is. There is no drilling and no need for anesthesia, which makes it a great option for children who feel nervous about dental visits.
Our team will do the following:
- Clean and dry the tooth to prepare the surface
- Apply a gel that helps the sealant bond, then rinse it off
- Paint the liquid sealant onto the tooth and use a special light to harden it
The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and your child can eat and drink normally right afterward. We aim to keep every visit calm and comfortable, which is why most kids barely notice anything has happened at all.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants work best when applied as soon as the permanent back teeth have fully come in, typically between ages 6 and 12, but they are not exclusively a childhood treatment. Adults who do not already have sealants and do not have existing decay in those teeth are also good candidates. At Godley Station Dental, we evaluate each patient individually and recommend sealants when the anatomy of a patient’s teeth suggests they would benefit from the added protection.
Protecting Your Family's Smiles Together at Godley Station Dental
At Godley Station Dental, protecting your smile starts with proactive care. Dental sealants are a simple, pain-free way to significantly reduce your child’s risk of cavities in the years when decay is most likely to take hold. Our team is here to answer any questions you have and help you decide whether sealants are the right fit. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
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Our Location
We are conveniently located in Pooler, Georgia, just minutes from Savannah!
Godley Station Professional Park
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Suite #101
Pooler, GA 31322
Our Hours
| Monday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Friday | 7:30am-4pm |