Sealants are a simple way to protect the back teeth, especially molars and premolars. Those teeth have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces, and even good brushing doesn’t always reach the bottom of them. When food and bacteria sit in those grooves, cavities can start.
A sealant covers those hard-to-clean areas with a thin protective coating. Once it’s in place, the chewing surface is smoother and easier to keep clean.
At Burien Dental, we often recommend sealants for kids and teens, but some adults benefit from them too. The appointment is quick, there’s no drilling, and most sealants only take a few minutes per tooth. For the right patient, it’s one of the easiest ways to protect a healthy tooth before it turns into a problem.
Sealants don’t last forever, so we check them during regular exams and cleanings. If one is wearing down or has chipped, we’ll let you know. Keeping an eye on them helps us catch small issues early, before they turn into cavities that need composite fillings or more involved treatment.
Why Patients Choose Burien Dental for Sealants
We’ve been caring for patients in Burien and the Normandy Park area for over 35 years, and prevention has always been part of how we practice. When we recommend sealants, we’ll explain why, show you what we’re seeing, and walk you through what happens during the visit.
Our team has also been recognized as Seattle Met Top Dentists for nine consecutive years. That kind of recognition matters to us, but the day-to-day work matters more: checking carefully, explaining clearly, and helping patients avoid bigger dental problems whenever we can.
If you had dental anxiety this is a great place to go. I was super nervous before my first appointment because you never know if the providers will take your fears seriously but everyone that I have interacted with here has been great and very respectful. I have had a cleaning and a cavity filled and both times they took their time, didn't make me feel like they were in a rush and didn't make me feel like an inconvenience. I highly recommend them!
Hayley is professional, knowledgeable, efficient, kind, and mindful of my sensitivity as well. Dr. La Rota is always a pleasure to see and I feel comfortable and confident my dental needs are taken care of.
Burien Dental is the best in all the land !!! I’m incredibly lucky to have all of my dental concerns taken care of !! I’ve struggled with periodontal disease for years , and Hayley has gotten me back on track - happy smiles!
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Children and Teenagers
Sealants are most often recommended for kids once their first permanent molars come in, usually around age six. These back teeth have deep grooves that can be tough to clean well, even with good brushing. Sealants help protect them during the years when cavities are most common.
Teenagers can benefit too, especially if their molars have deep pits or they’ve had cavities before.
Adults
Sealants aren’t just for kids. Some adults have back teeth with deep grooves that trap food and bacteria, even if those teeth have never had decay. If the tooth is healthy but hard to keep clean, a sealant may be a simple way to lower the risk of a future cavity.
Baby Teeth
In some cases, we may recommend sealants for baby teeth. This usually comes up when a younger child has unusually deep grooves or a higher risk of cavities. Baby teeth help hold space for permanent teeth, so keeping them healthy matters.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
Getting sealants is quick and comfortable. Your dentist or hygienist cleans and dries the tooth, places the sealant material into the grooves, and hardens it so it can start protecting the tooth right away. The whole process usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Protect teeth from decay for many years with proper care
- No drilling, no numbing needed
- Fast, just a couple of minutes per tooth
- Works for both kids and adults with deep grooves or vulnerable tooth anatomy
- Helps lower cavity risk before there’s anything to fill
- Easy to check at your regular appointments
Cost, Insurance & Payment Options
Dental sealants at Burien Dental start at $37.30 per tooth. Your actual cost will depend on your insurance contract and coverage status, so the amount you pay out of pocket may be different. We’ll always provide a clear estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
Because sealants are a preventive treatment, many dental insurance plans cover them, especially for children and teenagers. We accept most major dental insurance plans and are a preferred provider with Delta Dental, Regence, Premera, Lifewise, and Guardian. Our team can help you understand your benefits and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your appointment.
For added flexibility, financing options through Sunbit and Cherry are available, allowing you to split treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. Applications are quick, and most patients are approved within minutes.
Prices listed are starting estimates only. Your actual cost will vary based on your insurance plan, coverage status, and the specifics of your treatment. We provide a clear, personalized estimate before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants in Burien, WA
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can hold up for many years, but we check them at every visit for wear or chipping. If one has worn down, it can be reapplied quickly. We'll let you know if anything needs attention.
Are sealants only for kids?
No. They're most common for kids and teens, especially after the permanent molars come in, but adults with healthy, unfilled back teeth that have deep grooves can be good candidates, too. If your molars have never had a filling and are hard to keep clean, it's worth bringing up at your next visit.
Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
No. Sealants go on teeth that are free of decay. If we find a cavity, that gets treated first. Once the tooth is healthy, we can look at whether a sealant makes sense for any remaining surfaces.
Will my child feel the sealant on their tooth?
Maybe for a day or two. We check the bite before they leave, and most kids stop noticing it pretty quickly.
Protect Your Teeth Before Problems Start
Brushing well, keeping regular checkups, and limiting frequent snacking or sugary drinks can help sealants last. If you’re wondering whether sealants make sense for you or your child, bring it up at your next appointment, and we’ll take a look. Our team is happy to assess your teeth and give you an honest answer on whether a sealant is worth it for your situation. Our office is conveniently located in the Normandy Park neighborhood of Burien. Call us at (206) 242-1500 or schedule online to get started.
