About Dental Sealants and Fluoride
Sealants and fluoride are preventive dental treatments designed to strengthen enamel and shield teeth from cavities. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars, where decay often starts. Fluoride treatments involve applying concentrated fluoride to the teeth, helping to remineralize enamel and prevent early signs of decay.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we offer both services to safeguard your child's smile before problems start. We recommend them especially for children and teens, because the earlier the protection, the better. Both treatments are quick and painless, and parents are welcome in the room.
If you are looking for dental sealants for kids in NE Calgary, this is a simple visit that can save your child a lot of dental work later.
How Dental Sealants Work
The back teeth have deep grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria, and even careful brushing cannot always reach them. That is why cavities so often start there.
A sealant is a thin coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of a tooth and hardened with a special light. It fills the grooves, creates a smooth surface that is easy to clean and blocks food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. The process does not involve drilling or numbing, and it usually takes only a few minutes per tooth.
How Fluoride Treatments Work
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse the early signs of tooth decay. A professional fluoride treatment involves applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth. It is stronger than the fluoride in toothpaste, so it strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to decay.
Our dental team assesses your child's fluoride needs based on their dental health and risk factors, so they receive the appropriate level of protection. The application is quick, painless and highly effective at helping to maintain healthy teeth.
Benefits of Sealants and Fluoride
- Saves time and money on future dental work: By preventing cavities before they start, you avoid more costly treatments such as fillings, crowns or root canals down the road.
- Ideal for children and teens: The earlier the protection, the better. Sealants and fluoride treatments are especially effective for young patients with developing teeth and habits.
- Quick and painless: Both treatments take only a short time and need no drilling.
- Stronger enamel: Fluoride helps rebuild weakened enamel and resist acid from plaque bacteria.
- Protects hard-to-clean teeth: Sealants shield the deep grooves that brushing can miss.
Who Should Get Sealants and Fluoride
Sealants and fluoride can help many children and teens, and they are especially worth considering if your child:
- Has newly erupted permanent molars
- Has deep grooves or pits in the back teeth
- Has had cavities before, or is more likely to get them
- Has trouble brushing and flossing thoroughly
- Snacks often or drinks sugary drinks
Adults with a higher risk of decay can benefit too, and your dentist will tell you if it is right for you. Sealants and fluoride are also part of our regular Preventive Care visits, so you can ask about them at your child's next checkup.
What Is Included in Your Child's Visit
- An exam to check your child's teeth and decide which teeth would benefit from a sealant
- A gentle cleaning of the teeth to be sealed
- Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of the selected molars
- A professional fluoride gel or varnish treatment, when recommended
- A quick check of the sealants and a review of your child's brushing routine
- Simple aftercare guidance for you and your child
- A written estimate before treatment begins
What to Expect at Your Child's Visit
- A friendly welcome. Parents are welcome in the room, and we take things at your child's pace.
- A gentle exam and cleaning. We check your child's teeth and clean the surfaces to be sealed.
- Sealants. We dry the tooth, paint on the sealant and harden it with a special light. There is no drilling and no numbing needed.
- Fluoride. If recommended, we apply a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth.
- Home care tips. We share simple advice on brushing, flossing and snacks that suits your child's age.
The visit is quick, and most children go right back to their day.
Caring for Sealed Teeth
Sealed teeth need the same care as other teeth. Have your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Ask them to avoid chewing ice, hard candy or very sticky foods, which can chip or pull at a sealant.
If a fluoride varnish was applied, we may ask you to avoid hot foods and drinks and skip brushing until the next morning. We check the sealants at your child's regular exams, and repair or replace them when needed.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Sealants and Fluoride
- A dedicated children's care program covering preventive care, sealants and space maintainers
- A calm chair-side approach geared to first visits, with parents welcome in the room
- Quick, painless treatments that need no drilling
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Evening hours until 8 PM Monday to Saturday and Sunday hours from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Preventive Care: Regular exams, gentle cleanings and healthy habits for growing smiles.
- Dental Cavities Treatment: Gentle repair when a cavity has already formed.
- Space Maintainers: Protect the space for permanent teeth after an early baby tooth loss.
- Dental Cleanings: Professional cleanings for teens and adults in the family.
Cost of Dental Sealants and Fluoride in NE Calgary
The cost of sealants and fluoride depends on how many teeth are sealed and whether a fluoride treatment is included. Because they prevent cavities, they usually cost far less than repairing decay later. We give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins.
We direct bill most major insurers, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers fluoride and sealants for eligible patients. Flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental sealants and how do they work?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. They fill the deep grooves and pits so food and bacteria cannot get trapped there, which significantly reduces the risk of decay.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last for several years with good care. We check them at your child's regular exams, and if a sealant has worn or chipped, it can be repaired or replaced quickly.
Are fluoride treatments safe for children?
Yes. Professional fluoride treatments are safe and effective when they are applied by a dental team. We assess your child's fluoride needs based on their dental health and risk factors, so they receive the right level of protection.
Can dental sealants be removed?
Yes. If a sealant ever needs to come off, your dentist can remove it and, if it is still needed, place a new one. Sealants are also sometimes replaced when they wear down.
Does CDCP cover sealants and fluoride?
Fluoride and sealants are among the services covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients, and we direct bill most major insurers. Call 403-300-2233 and we will confirm your child's coverage before the visit.
Book Your Child's Appointment
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.