Dental Sealants in St. Louis Park, MN

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating made of a safe resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These areas — especially molars and premolars — have natural pits and grooves that are more likely to trap food and develop cavities over time.

Sealants bond into the grooves and create a smooth, sealed surface that’s easier to clean and more resistant to decay. While they’re most commonly used for children, dental sealants can also benefit cavity-prone adults.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

We often recommend dental sealants for:

• Children and teens with newly erupted permanent molars
• Patients with a history of cavities or deep grooves in their teeth
• Adults with early signs of enamel breakdown who want extra protection

Dental sealants are often placed shortly after a child's first and second permanent molars come in — typically around ages 6 and 12. Applying them early helps prevent decay before it has a chance to take hold.

Sealants can also be part of a larger preventive care strategy alongside regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene education.

What to Expect During the Sealant Process

Dental sealants are quick, painless, and non-invasive. No numbing or drilling is needed. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth.

Here’s how it works:

1. Cleaning: The tooth is cleaned to remove any plaque or debris.
2. Preparation: A mild solution is applied to slightly roughen the surface, which helps the sealant bond properly.
3. Application: The sealant material is brushed onto the tooth and allowed to flow into the grooves.
4. Curing: A special light is used to harden the material, creating a durable protective layer.

Afterward, your child can eat and drink normally. Sealants are virtually invisible and won’t affect how the teeth feel or function.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

With proper care, dental sealants can protect teeth for five to ten years — sometimes longer. During your regular dental exams, we’ll check to make sure sealants are still intact and reapply them as needed.

To get the most benefit from sealants, we recommend:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
• Scheduling routine checkups every six months
• Wearing a mouthguard if your child plays contact sports

Sealants are not a substitute for good home care, but they’re an important layer of defense against cavities — especially during cavity-prone childhood years.

Are Sealants Covered by Insurance or Membership Plans?

Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of sealants for children, especially those under the age of 14. If you’re not using insurance, Creekside Dental offers a Membership Plan that includes preventive services and discounts on treatments like sealants.

We’ll walk you through your options and provide transparent pricing before any care begins.

Preventive Dentistry in St. Louis Park and Beyond

As part of our general dentistry services, sealants are just one way we help families protect their smiles. Creekside Dental serves patients across St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Edina, Richfield, and nearby Minneapolis neighborhoods, including Bryn Mawr and Cedar-Isles.

Our dentists, Dr. Gabe De Los Rios and Dr. Robert Laing, are passionate about preventive care and use the latest dental technology to keep your family’s oral health on track.

We make it simple for kids and adults to stay on top of preventive visits in a calm, welcoming environment — complete with flexible scheduling, family appointments, and a friendly therapy dog in training.