Dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are two of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent cavities — for children and adults.
A dental sealant costs a fraction of a filling. A fluoride treatment costs a fraction of a crown. Preventive dentistry is not about adding procedures to your visit — it is about protecting the teeth you have, catching vulnerabilities early, and avoiding the time, discomfort, and cost of treating problems that could have been prevented.
At Richmond Dental Care, we include preventive recommendations as part of every exam and make sealants and fluoride accessible for the whole family.
Cavities prevented by sealants
Fluoride treatment time
Sealant lifespan
covered by PPO for children
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Sealants or Fluoride
Your Prevention Plan
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We recommend sealants as soon as the first permanent molars come in — typically around age 6 — and again when the second permanent molars erupt around age 12. The sooner the sealants are placed after eruption, the better, as early protection prevents decay from establishing in the grooves.
Yes. Adults without existing fillings or decay in their molar pits can benefit from sealants. Adults at elevated cavity risk — those with dry mouth, gum recession, a history of frequent cavities, or who are taking medications that reduce saliva — benefit significantly from professional fluoride treatments at their regular visits.
Yes. Fluoride has been proven safe and effective for decades and is endorsed by the ADA, CDC, and WHO. Professional fluoride varnish is applied in carefully dosed amounts and is completely safe for children. The concentration in professional applications is higher than toothpaste, which is why it is more effective — but it is applied by a trained professional in controlled amounts.
Sealants typically last 5 to 10 years with normal use. We check their condition at every routine exam and can quickly reapply them if they have worn, chipped, or come loose. The ongoing maintenance is simple and inexpensive.
Yes — most PPO dental plans cover preventive sealants for children under 14 at 100% and fluoride treatments for children at every routine visit. Adult coverage varies by plan. We verify your specific benefits before every appointment so you always know what is covered.
Still have questions?
