What Are Dental Sealants?
By sealing these grooves, the sealant prevents bacteria from settling and reduces the risk of decay by up to 80%.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The procedure is completely painless and quick:
- The tooth is cleaned with a special brush to remove plaque
- An etch is applied to roughen the tooth surface for better bonding
- The tooth is rinsed and dried
- The sealant is placed — a flowable resin fills the grooves
- It is cured with a light — an LED light sets the material in 20–30 seconds
Time required: 3–5 minutes per tooth. All the molars can be done in a single visit.
When Should Sealants Be Placed?
| Tooth | Eruption Age | When to Seal |
|---|---|---|
| 6-year molars (first molars) | 6–7 years | As soon as they have erupted |
| 12-year molars (second molars) | 11–13 years | As soon as they have erupted |
| Premolars | 10–12 years | If the risk of decay is high |
💡 Golden rule: Have sealants placed within the first 6 months of a molar coming through — before decay has a chance to start.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Reduces decay risk by 80%
- Completely painless — no anaesthetic needed
- Quick procedure (5 minutes per tooth)
- Cost-effective — far cheaper than treating decay
- Provides 3–5 years of protection
- Not traumatic — a positive first experience for children
Dental Sealant Prices in 2026
| Procedure | Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Sealant per tooth | 500 – 1,500 TL |
| 4 molars (6-year) | 2,000 – 6,000 TL |
| 4 molars (12-year) | 2,000 – 6,000 TL |
| Fluoride varnish (add-on) | 500 – 1,500 TL |
💡 Cost comparison: A sealant costs 500–1,500 TL per tooth, a filling 1,500–4,000 TL and advanced decay (root canal plus crown) 8,000–20,000 TL. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment.
Sealants vs Fluoride Varnish
| Criterion | Sealant | Fluoride Varnish |
|---|---|---|
| Area protected | Biting-surface grooves | All tooth surfaces |
| Mechanism | Physical barrier | Chemical strengthening |
| Duration | 3–5 years | 3–6 months (needs repeating) |
| Application | Single visit | Every 6 months |
| Ideal use | The two complement each other — we recommend using both |
References
- Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Forss H, Walsh T, et al. Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;7(7):CD001830. PubMed
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants. Pediatr Dent. 2016;38(6):263–279. aapd.org
- Wright JT, Crall JJ, Fontana M, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants. J Am Dent Assoc. 2016;147(8):672–682.e12. PubMed
Protect your child's molars from decay. Book a sealant appointment with our paediatric dentist at Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic.
📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.
