At Pelham Links Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe the best dental problems are the ones that never happen. Dental sealants are one of the simplest, most effective tools we have for keeping teeth healthy.
We provide dental sealants at both our Greenville and Simpsonville offices, and we're happy to answer every question you have before we do a thing.
Cavities Are Preventable. Sealants Make It Easier.
Most cavities in children and teens form in the back teeth. The molars have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces. No matter how well a child brushes,those tight spaces trap food and bacteria. Over time, that leads to decay. Dental sealants solve that problem before it starts. A sealant is a thin protective coating that bonds to thechewing surface of a molar and hardens into a smooth barrier. Food and bacteria no longer have anywhere to hide. There's no drilling, no numbing, no recovery time. For most patients, it takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants for Your Family
Prevent Cavities
That means fewer fillings, less time in the chair, and less money spent onrestorative work down the road.
Completely Painless Procedure
No needles, no drilling. We clean the tooth, apply the sealant, and cure it with a small light. That's it.
It's Fast
A full set of sealants on four molars takes under 30 minutes. Most families work it into a regular cleaning appointment.
They Last
With normal wear and regular checkups, dental sealants typically hold up for five to ten years. We check them at every visit and can touch them up if needed.
For Adults Too
Sealants aren't only for children. Adults who have deep grooves in their back teeth andno existing decay or fillings in those teeth can benefit just as much.
Often Covered By Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children up to age 14. If you don't have insurance, our Golden Rewards Club offers an affordable alternative with no waiting periods and no annual caps.
Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Child or for You?
Children and Teens
The best time to place sealants is shortly after the permanent molars come in, usually between ages 6 and 14. Placing sealants on these teeth early gives them the longest possible protection during the years when cavity risk is highest.Children are still developing their brushing routines, and the back teeth are easy to miss. Sealants take that variable out of the equation and protect those surfaces regardless of how thorough the brushing is on any given night.
Adults
If you're an adult with deep grooves in your molars and no existing fillings or decay in those teeth, sealants are worth talking about. They can protect teeth that have managed to stay cavity-free and help keep them that way.
If you're unsure whether your teeth would benefit, just ask at your next visit. We'll take a look and give you an honest answer.
Protect Your Family's Teeth at Pelham Links
Since 1983, we've been taking care of families across theGreenville and Simpsonville area. Preventing problems before they happen is one of the most important things we do, and dental sealants are a big part of that. If your child is due for a visit, or if you want to find out whether sealants are a good option for your own teeth, we'd love to see you.
Both offices are accepting new patients, and booking online takes less than a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Most sealants last between five and ten years. We check them at every routine visit. If one chips or wears down, we can reapply it quickly.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Yes. Sealants are made from a dental resin that has been used safely for decades. Some patients ask about BPA. The amount present in dental sealants is extremely small, far below any level of concern, and the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatrics both endorse their use.
Can a Sealant Be Placed Over a Cavity?
No. Sealants are a preventive measure, not a treatment. They're placed on healthy teeth to keep them that way. If decay is already present, we address that first and then discuss the best plan for protecting the remaining healthy tooth structure.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?
Most insurance plans cover sealants for children, typically up to age 14. Coverage for adults varies by plan. If you're unsure what your plan includes, our team is happy to check before your appointment. If you don't have insurance, ask us about our Golden Rewards Club, which covers preventive care including sealants for a low annual fee.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Yes. Any adult with healthy, unfilled back teeth and deep grooves can benefit from sealants. The procedure is the same regardless of age.
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Sealants?
The best way to know is to bring them in. We'll check whether their permanent molars have come in and whether those teeth are good candidates. If they are, we can usually place the sealants at the same appointment.
Do Sealants Replace Brushing and Flossing?
No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth,but they don't cover the sides or the areas between teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are still important for complete oral health.
Are Sealants Available at Both Your Greenville and Simpsonville Offices?
Yes. Dental sealants are available at both our Greenville location on Pelham Road and our Simpsonville location on West Georgia Road.
