Hearing that a cavity could have been stopped before it started is frustrating, especially when it is your child’s tooth. Back molars have deep grooves that a toothbrush cannot fully reach, which is why they account for most cavities in children and teens.
Dental sealants are one of the simplest ways to protect those grooves. At Revive Dentistry, Dr. Omid Khezri uses them as part of a family-focused approach to preventive dentistry for families in Orange City, DeBary, DeLand, and Deltona.
A sealant is a thin coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth. It hardens into a smooth barrier that keeps food and decay-causing bacteria out of the deep pits and grooves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities over 2 years in the back teeth, and that children ages 6 to 11 without sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities in their first molars as children with them.
Parents often ask how sealants differ from the other ways we protect or repair teeth. They work together, and each does a different job.
| Sealant | Fluoride | Filling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Blocks decay in deep grooves | Strengthens enamel | Repairs a cavity that already exists |
| Best timing | Soon after molars come in | Throughout childhood and adulthood | After decay forms |
| Drilling or numbing | None | None | Usually yes |
| Where it works | Chewing surfaces of back teeth | All tooth surfaces | The affected tooth |
A sealant does not replace fluoride or brushing, which is why we recommend them as part of one routine.
The process is quick and comfortable, which makes sealants an easy first step for children who are still building trust with the dentist.
There is no drilling and no numbing, and Dr. Khezri explains each step so even young patients understand why their new sealants matter.
Sealants are most effective when placed soon after a molar comes in, before decay has had time to start. We look at each patient’s own teeth and cavity risk and do not rely on age alone.
During an exam, we study the depth and shape of the grooves to decide whether a sealant would meaningfully lower your risk.
Sealed teeth need the same brushing, flossing, and checkups as any other teeth, because decay can still form on other surfaces. We check sealants at regular exams and can repair or replace one that has worn. Our family dentistry and pediatric dentistry pages explain how these visits fit into your family’s routine.
Coverage for sealants depends on your plan and your child’s age, so we review your benefits with you before treatment. Revive Dentistry is primarily a fee-for-service practice that works with your insurance, including Cigna and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and we offer an in-house membership plan and financing through Cherry and CareCredit. Preventing a cavity is usually simpler and less costly than repairing one later.
Many of our families have several appointments to juggle, so we welcome patients of all ages and try to schedule family members together when our calendar allows. Our team offers Spanish-speaking support so every parent understands what their child needs. If you are new to us, see what to expect on our new patients page.
Dr. Omid Khezri is the founder of Revive Dentistry and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2016. He holds a Fellowship credential (500+ post-doctoral continuing education hours) and a Mastership through the Academy of Implant Prosthetics, which covers both the surgical and prosthetic phases of implant care. Before dentistry he taught high school for two years, and he brings that same explain-everything approach to every consultation.
Revive Dentistry works with Cigna and most major PPO plans, and our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. Coverage varies by plan and by procedure, so we also offer an in-house membership plan and third-party financing, including 0% interest plans through Cherry and CareCredit.
Learn MoreSealants can protect teeth for many years, but how long one lasts depends on chewing forces and the tooth. We check them at regular exams and repair or replace any that have worn so the protection continues.
No. Sealants are painted onto the tooth surface with no drilling and no numbing. Most children find the appointment quick and easy, and Dr. Khezri explains each step as he goes.
They work best soon after a permanent molar comes in, which happens around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. We evaluate each child's teeth individually and do not rely on age alone.
Yes, in some cases. Adults with deep grooves in their molars who have not had a cavity in that tooth may benefit, and the CDC notes that adults ages 20 to 34 have more untreated cavities in their back teeth than any other group. We will tell you at an exam whether a sealant makes sense.
Coverage depends on your plan and the patient's age, so our team reviews your benefits before treatment. We work with your insurance, including Cigna and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and offer an in-house membership plan and financing options.
Yes. A sealant protects the chewing surface, but other surfaces of the tooth can still decay. Brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular checkups remain important.
Revive Dentistry offers a full range of dental care for the whole family. Explore our services to see how we can support your oral health and your smile.
We're located at 272 E Graves Ave in Orange City, FL, and welcome patients from Orange City, DeBary, DeLand, Deltona and the surrounding West Volusia County area. Stop by or schedule online and we'll walk you through your options with no pressure.
Dr. Khezri applies the same foundations-first approach to a child's first sealants as he does to complex adult care, backed by his Fellowship and Mastership training.
To protect your child's molars, call (386) 775-4300 or contact us online to schedule a visit. Revive Dentistry is at 272 E Graves Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, and new patients are always welcome.
