The first week of September has a rhythm of its own in South Burnaby. Backpacks reappear on the 19 bus along Kingsway, the Highgate Village parking lot fills up before 9 a.m., and parents get that small window of quiet to sort out the things that slipped through the summer.
If your child is somewhere between six and thirteen, one of those things should be a quick question for your dentist: “Are my kid’s molars sealed?”
At Burnaby South Dental, our Highgate clinic at 6975 Kingsway, dental sealants are one of the simplest, most effective things we do for children — and one of the most under-used. Here’s what every Burnaby parent should know.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A sealant is a thin, tooth-coloured or clear protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth (molars and premolars). It flows into the deep pits and grooves on top of the tooth and hardens into a smooth shield.
Why those grooves matter: the chewing surfaces of molars are full of tiny fissures that are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle. Food and bacteria get trapped, brushing can’t reach them, and that is where the majority of childhood cavities start. A sealant simply fills the grooves so there is nowhere for plaque to hide.
Sealants don’t replace brushing, flossing, or fluoride — they work alongside them. Think of them as a raincoat for the part of the tooth that’s hardest to keep clean.
When Should Kids Get Sealants? The Two Windows That Matter
Timing is the whole game. Sealants work best when applied soon after a permanent tooth comes through, before decay has a chance to start.
Around age 6 — first permanent molars. These “six-year molars” erupt behind the baby teeth, so many parents don’t realize they’re adult teeth that have to last a lifetime. They’re also the most cavity-prone teeth in the mouth.
Around age 12 — second permanent molars. The “twelve-year molars” arrive at the back and are equally hard to reach with a brush, especially for a preteen who is rushing.
Ages 10–12 — premolars may be sealed too if they have deep grooves.
If your child is in kindergarten or Grade 1, or heading into Grade 6 or 7 this year, this is the ideal moment to ask. We check for newly erupted molars at every back-to-school checkup and can usually place sealants in the same appointment.
Adults with deep grooves and no fillings can benefit from sealants as well — just ask us at your next visit.
What Happens During the Appointment?
This is the part parents (and kids) are relieved to hear: no needles, no drilling, no freezing.
- Clean — we polish the tooth to remove plaque.
- Condition — a mild gel is applied for a few seconds so the sealant bonds well, then rinsed off.
- Dry — the tooth is isolated and dried. This is the “tickly” part with the air.
- Seal — the liquid sealant is painted into the grooves.
- Set — a small blue light hardens it in about 20 seconds.
That’s it. Roughly 10 minutes per tooth, and your child can eat right afterward. For a nervous child, it’s a great “first procedure” because it builds confidence without discomfort — something our team, known for gentle pediatric dentistry, takes seriously.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Typically 5 to 10 years. They can wear or chip over time — heavy grinding, sticky candies, and ice chewing are the usual culprits — so we check them at every six-month cleaning and touch up any that need it. A worn sealant is easy to repair; a cavity underneath an unsealed molar is not.
What Do Dental Sealants Cost in Burnaby?
Sealants are one of the least expensive things we do. As a general guide based on the BC dental fee guide, a sealant runs roughly $30–$60 per tooth without any coverage. Sealing all four six-year molars is usually well under $250 — less than a single filling, and far less than a crown or root canal down the road.
Are Sealants Covered by CDCP?
Yes. For eligible patients under 18, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers sealants on permanent molars and premolars as a preventive service, with a lifetime limit of two applications per tooth. Fluoride treatments are covered too — once or twice a year depending on your child’s age. Depending on your family’s income level there may be a co-payment.
We’re proud to accept CDCP at our Highgate clinic, and our front desk helps families apply and understand coverage every week. Read our CDCP guide for Burnaby patients or just call and ask.
Most private plans through work also cover sealants for children — bring your details and we’ll check before anything is done.
Sealants + Fluoride: The Preventive One-Two Punch
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces; fluoride protects everything else. Professional fluoride varnish, painted on at the end of a cleaning, strengthens enamel on the smooth surfaces and between teeth where sealants can’t go. Together with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a sensible snack routine, this combination is why so many of our young patients reach their teens with zero fillings.
If you’d like to understand what early decay looks like and why catching it early matters, our post on cavity warning signs and tooth-coloured fillings walks through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids get dental sealants?
Shortly after the permanent molars come through — around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. Premolars can be sealed around ages 10–12.
Are dental sealants covered by CDCP in BC?
Yes, for eligible patients under 18, with a lifetime limit of two applications per tooth. We accept CDCP.
How much do sealants cost in Burnaby?
Roughly $30–$60 per tooth without coverage. Most private plans and CDCP cover them for children.
Do sealants hurt?
No. There is no freezing or drilling. Most kids say the air-drying step tickles.
How long do sealants last?
Usually 5–10 years. We check them at every checkup and repair them if needed.
Can my child eat right after?
Yes — the sealant is fully hardened before they leave the chair.
Do sealants mean my child doesn’t need to brush the back teeth?
No. Sealants only cover the grooves on the chewing surface. Brushing and flossing still protect the sides and the gumline.
Book a Sealant Visit Near Highgate Village
If your child has new molars — or you’re not sure — a quick checkup will tell us, and sealants can usually be done the same day. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, with after-school and Saturday slots that fill quickly in September, so book early.
Call Burnaby South Dental at (604) 540-6000 or book an appointment online. We’re your family dentist at 6975 Kingsway #2, steps from Highgate Village and minutes from Middlegate, Edmonds, and Metrotown — serving families across South Burnaby.
