Children
New permanent molars are an important opportunity for prevention. They usually appear around ages six and twelve. Ask about sealants as these teeth emerge.
PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE
A small layer of protection.
A practical step toward fewer cavities.
At Lombard Dental Studio, Dr. Vadim Lebovich can assess whether sealants fit your preventive care plan. Explore protection for children’s developing molars and susceptible adult teeth, alongside daily care and regular dental exams.
WHAT IS A DENTAL SEALANT?
Back teeth have pits and grooves where food and plaque can collect. A sealant is a thin coating applied to these chewing surfaces to create a protective barrier.
It complements your daily routine. It does not cover every tooth surface or treat gum recession.
Read the ADA’s sealant overview ↗A DECISION FOR EACH TOOTH
Bring your questions to your next examination. We’ll discuss the grooves, condition of your teeth, and preventive options before recommending treatment.
New permanent molars are an important opportunity for prevention. They usually appear around ages six and twelve. Ask about sealants as these teeth emerge.
Newly erupted teeth and existing coatings deserve attention during exams. Discuss which teeth may benefit and whether older sealants need checking.
Susceptible chewing grooves can remain relevant in adulthood. A discussion of your dental history and current teeth helps guide a recommendation.
TWO DIFFERENT TOOLS
Different approaches can complement one another. Ask which options fit your cavity risk.
A coating protects selected pits and grooves where decay can begin.
Fluoride helps enamel resist acid attacks and supports remineralization. Fluoride toothpaste remains part of daily care; additional treatment depends on your needs.
Keep cleaning your teeth and discuss your diet, symptoms, and dental history at visits. Neither treatment replaces a complete prevention plan.
Explore daily dental hygiene ↗WHAT TO EXPECT
Ask us to explain the proposed teeth and materials before treatment. Application generally involves no drilling or numbing injection.
Examine the tooth and decide whether sealing is appropriate.
Clean, dry, and condition the surface for bonding.
Place the coating in the grooves and let it harden, often with a curing light.
Review the coating and your bite, then explain follow-up care.
CARE AFTER YOUR VISIT
Sealants can last several years, but they are not a permanent guarantee against decay. Regular examinations let your dentist check for wear or loss and recommend attention when needed.
Continue brushing, cleaning between teeth, and your recommended visit schedule. Tell us if a coating chips or your bite feels different.
Dental cleanings & exams ↗BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Discuss the teeth recommended, expected costs, and insurance benefits with our Thousand Oaks team.
Yes. Adult teeth with susceptible grooves may benefit. Ask Dr. Lebovich to assess the tooth, existing dental work, and your cavity risk rather than choosing sealants by age alone.
No. Sealants protect susceptible grooves. A tooth with an established cavity may need a filling or other treatment. Certain early lesions without a hole can be sealed and monitored when appropriate; an examination determines the next step.
Sealants cover specific grooves. Fluoride supports enamel across tooth surfaces. They serve different purposes, so continue fluoride toothpaste and ask whether additional fluoride treatment is appropriate for you.
Application normally does not require drilling or an injection. Tell our team about sensitivity or anxiety so we can explain each step and help you feel comfortable.
Sealants can remain effective for several years. There is no fixed ten-year guarantee. Your dentist checks their condition during examinations and recommends repair or replacement when needed.
After the material has fully set, eating and drinking are generally possible right away. Follow the instructions for the material used and any other treatment performed at the same visit.
Contact our team if your bite feels different or you notice a missing or damaged coating. We can examine the tooth and determine whether the sealant needs attention.
The ADA supports sealants as a preventive option. Tell us about material allergies and ask about the product being used if you have concerns. Our team can explain the material and alternatives before treatment.
Your estimate depends on how many teeth are treated and any other care needed. Coverage varies, including age limits and replacement rules. Ask for an estimate and confirm benefits before treatment; adult coverage is not automatic.
No. Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, and attending recommended dental visits. Sealants do not protect every tooth surface or treat gum recession.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Visit Lombard Dental Studio to discuss sealants, fluoride, and the care appropriate for your smile.
245 Lombard St
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Monday–Friday · 10 am–5 pm
Contact & directions ↗Further reading: ADA: dental sealants · CDC: prevention with sealants · ADA: fluoride · ADA: sealant evidence