Dental Sealants in Yakima, WA
Powerful Cavity Prevention for Kids & Teens | Ryan Kezele DDS, Family Dental of Yakima
At Ryan Kezele DDS, Family Dental of Yakima — Your Yakima Healthy Smiles Dental Home — Dr. Ryan Kezele uses dental sealants to protect children's teeth from cavities. This simple, painless procedure dramatically reduces the risk of decay in permanent molars during critical growth years.
Our Goal: Minimal Dental Treatment for Life
Our goal is for our patients to experience the least amount of dental treatment possible. We know that children who enter adulthood with the fewest restored teeth will enjoy the lowest risk of future problems in Yakima.
Sealants give us a powerful tool that can dramatically reduce the number of fillings placed in permanent teeth during critical stages of growth and development. Think of sealants as a long-term investment in your child's dental health.
Why Molars Are Vulnerable to Cavities
On the chewing surface of molars, deep grooves reach into the center of the teeth. Under a microscope, these crevices might look like a deep canyon. In fact, most of them are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle — but wide enough for bacteria to hide.
It's easy to see how cavities can form in such a perfect hideout. Even with diligent brushing, toothbrush bristles cannot reach deep enough into these grooves to remove trapped bacteria and food particles.
How Dental Sealants Work
If the grooves in permanent molars are sealed at a young age, the risk of decay occurring on the chewing surfaces decreases dramatically. Sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that prevents bacteria and food from getting trapped in the deep grooves.
Think of sealants as a raincoat for your child's teeth — they shield vulnerable areas from the elements that cause decay. Once in place, sealants are invisible and your child won't even notice they're there!
The Sealant Procedure: Quick, Easy, Painless!
No drilling. No shots. No pain. Takes just a few minutes per tooth!
- The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried
- The chewing surface is conditioned to help the sealant bond
- A liquid resin material is flowed into the grooves
- A blue activating light quickly hardens the sealant
- The bite is checked and adjusted if needed
When Should Children Get Sealants in Yakima?
We typically recommend sealants when permanent molars erupt:
First Permanent Molars
"Six-year molars" erupt and should be sealed as soon as they fully emerge for maximum protection.
Second Permanent Molars
"Twelve-year molars" come in and need the same protection during these critical cavity-prone years.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants typically last several years and may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. At each checkup, Dr. Kezele examines your child's sealants and repairs or replaces them as needed to maintain continuous protection throughout childhood and into the teen years.
This is a small investment compared to the cost and discomfort of treating cavities. One sealant can prevent multiple fillings over the years!
Who Benefits from Sealants?
While sealants are most commonly placed on children's permanent molars, they can benefit:
- Children and teens with newly erupted permanent molars
- Adults with deep grooves who haven't had cavities in those teeth
- Patients identified as high-risk for cavities
- Anyone who wants extra protection against decay
💰 Invest in Prevention — Save on Treatment!
💵 Save Money
⏰ Save Time in Chair
😊 Avoid Discomfort
🦷 Protect Future Health
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, recognizing their value in preventing more expensive treatment later!
Sealants + Good Home Care = Healthy Teeth!
While sealants provide excellent protection for chewing surfaces, they're one part of a complete cavity-prevention strategy. Children should also:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugar
- Visit our Yakima office every six months for checkups and cleanings
Dental Sealants FAQs — Ryan Kezele DDS | Yakima Healthy Smiles
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. Dr. Kezele uses sealants to fill deep grooves where bacteria hide, creating a smooth, protective barrier that dramatically reduces cavity risk in Yakima patients.
How effective are dental sealants?
Research confirms a 90% reduction in chewing surface cavity activity in sealed molars. Sealants are one of the most effective preventive treatments in dentistry, helping children enter adulthood with fewer fillings and less risk of major dental work.
Does getting sealants hurt?
No! Sealant application is completely painless and requires no drilling or numbing. The procedure takes just a few minutes per tooth. Dr. Kezele cleans the grooves, applies the sealant material, and hardens it with a special light.
At what age should children get sealants?
We typically apply sealants when permanent molars erupt, around ages 6 and 12. The first permanent molars come in around age 6, and second permanent molars around age 12. Sealing them early provides maximum protection during cavity-prone years.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants typically last several years but may need repair or replacement over time. Dr. Kezele checks sealants at every checkup and repairs them as needed to maintain protection throughout childhood and adolescence.
Are dental sealants covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, typically until age 14-18. We work with your insurance to maximize benefits. Even without insurance, sealants are a cost-effective investment that can save hundreds in future dental work.
Protect Your Child's Smile with Sealants in Yakima!
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kezele and discover the Yakima Healthy Smiles difference!
Schedule Your Child's Visit →