01
Check the Tooth
The exam confirms the groove is healthy and sealable — sealants go over sound enamel, never over a problem.
Are sealants actually worth it, or is this an upsell?
Fair question — and for most kids with newly erupted permanent molars, the honest answer is yes, they're genuinely worth it. The chewing surfaces of first molars are the single most cavity-prone real estate in a child's mouth, and CDC data shows school-age children without sealants get almost three times more first-molar cavities than children with them. Many dental plans also cover sealants as preventive care, though plan rules vary. The math helps too: a sealant costs a fraction of what treating a cavity does, takes minutes, and involves no numbing. Where we won't stretch it: if your child's grooves are shallow and their risk is low, we'll tell you that plainly instead of sealing teeth that don't need it.
