San Leandro: (510) 969-0788 | Concord: (925) 852-6568

San Leandro dental sealants

a simple, painless way to help prevent tooth decay

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating applied to molar chewing surfaces in minutes that can reduce cavity risk by up to 80%
book onlinecall (510) 969-0788

the easiest way to prevent cavities

Molars are excellent at grinding food and lousy at staying clean. Their deep ridges trap food and bacteria in places a toothbrush can’t reach, no matter how diligently your child brushes. San Leandro dental sealants are a thin protective coating we apply directly to those surfaces, a physical barrier that keeps food and bacteria out and decay from ever taking hold.

The application takes a few minutes per tooth. There’s no drilling, no numbing, and no discomfort. Just straightforward prevention from the Kids Place Dentistry team in San Leandro and Concord.

  • Book your child's next visit, preventive or check-up
  • Same-day sealant application during routine appointments
  • Covered by most dental insurance plans
  • Available at both our San Leandro and Concord locations

why do molars need extra protection?

Permanent molars are the workhorses of your child’s mouth, and the teeth most likely to develop cavities. Their chewing surfaces are packed with deep grooves called pits and fissures. Even after a thorough brushing, food particles and bacteria can settle into those grooves and start the process of decay.

San Leandro dental sealants fill and seal those grooves, creating a smooth surface that’s easy to clean and far more resistant to cavities. Studies show sealants can reduce the risk of molar decay by up to 80% in the first two years after application.

when do kids get dental sealants?

The two most important windows for sealant application line up with when your child’s permanent molars erupt. We watch for these milestones at every routine visit:

around age 6 — first permanent molars

The first set of permanent molars typically arrives around age six. These are often the teeth parents forget about because they arrive behind the baby teeth — but they’re among the most cavity-prone in the entire mouth.

around age 12 — second permanent molars

The second set arrives around age twelve, completing your child’s back molars. We apply sealants to these as well during a routine appointment.

sometimes, primary teeth, too

If we see particularly deep grooves in your child’s baby teeth during a checkup, we may recommend sealants for those as well. Baby teeth guide permanent teeth into position and hold space in the developing jaw — protecting them matters.

what to expect during
the appointment?

Sealant application is one of the fastest preventive procedures we offer, and it requires nothing your child hasn’t already experienced at a regular cleaning.

  • Clean: We thoroughly clean the specific teeth to remove any bacteria or debris from the grooves.
  • Prep: We apply a gentle gel to the chewing surfaces that helps the sealant bond properly. This stays on for a few seconds, then gets rinsed off.
  • Seal: The sealant material is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a small curing light. That's it.
  • Done: Your child is free to eat and drink normally right away — there's no recovery time or dietary restriction.

more about San Leandro dental sealants at Kids Place Dentistry

how long do sealants last?

Sealants typically last five to ten years. We check them at every routine visit and can reapply if we notice wear or chipping. Many kids keep their sealants in good condition well into their teens.

can sealants go over a cavity?

We apply sealants to healthy tooth surfaces. If we spot early decay during a checkup, we’ll address that first, then discuss whether sealants make sense for surrounding teeth.

do sealants replace brushing and flossing?

No, they’re a supplement to good oral hygiene, not a replacement. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of molars, but they don’t cover the spaces between teeth where flossing does its work.

are sealants covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children up to a certain age, often with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Our front desk team will check your coverage before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

is the material safe?

Yes. The sealant materials we use are BPA-free and have been evaluated and approved for use in pediatric dentistry. If you have questions about the specific material we use, our team is happy to walk you through it before we proceed.

how do I know if my child already has sealants?

Dental sealants are often clear, white, or slightly tooth-colored, so they can be difficult for parents to spot at home. During your child’s dental exam, your dentist can easily determine whether sealants are present and check that they are still intact and protecting the teeth. Over time, sealants can wear down and may need to be repaired or replaced. Regular checkups help ensure your child continues to receive the full cavity-fighting benefits of their sealants.

my child is nervous about dental procedures. Can they still get sealants?

Absolutely. Sealant application is one of the easiest procedures we can do with a nervous patient, there’s no needles and no drilling. For children with more significant dental anxiety or special needs, Kids Place Dentistry also offers nitrous oxide and in-office general anesthesia administered by our on-site dentist anesthesiologist. We meet every child where they are.

our approach

comfort-first and kid-centered

At Kids Place Dentistry, comfort starts the moment you walk through the door. Our spaces are thoughtfully designed with kids in mind — warm, welcoming, and never overwhelming. From a friendly hello at check-in to gentle guidance in the chair, everything we do helps your child feel safe, seen, and supported.

We offer flexible scheduling, a reassuring vibe, and a multilingual team, because a little extra thought goes a long way when it comes to building trust.

We offer multiple levels of anesthesia to help kids stay calm and comfortable during care. Ideal for complex procedures, dental anxiety, or medical needs.

learn about your visit

"All the staff were super kind and careful. My child had a great first visit, and that’s all because of the incredible people working there. I highly recommend this place."

— Pedro R.

made for little smiles

Warm spaces, gentle voices, no pressure. Just care that builds trust.

smarter tools, better visits

Low-radiation digital x-rays and intraoral cameras for clear diagnostics.

a team that truly gets kids

From sedation to special needs, we meet every child with heart and skill.

"I highly recommend bringing your kids to this excellent Kids Place Dentistry because the dentists and staff are very gentle and nice, they can help you build confidence.”

— Hoa L.

"I had a great experience here. They were kind, professional, and explained every step clearly. The treatment was gentle and efficient, and I felt very comfortable throughout the visit. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a trustworthy dentist.”

— Fiona F.

"Pleasant experience, everyone was informative and friendly. They're really good at helping the kiddos feel confident and ready to get their teeth done. As a parent, I would recommend Kids Place to any parent and child. Thank you!”

— Amellia M.

"The medical staff, including the doctor, showed extraordinary kindness, even helping me carry my child to the car. Their compassion and care were truly impressive.”

— Farhad S.

"Very professional, quick appointment scheduling, excellent service attitude, and staff who speak various languages, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to express yourself in English."

— Yoyo H.

"My experience was very good. I took my daughter there, and the doctor treated her very professionally."

— Cynthia L.

Does your child need a tooth removed?

We will help you understand why an extraction is recommended, what to expect, and how we will keep your child comfortable throughout the visit.

book online

come say hi!

visit our

San Leandro office

2561 Merced St,
San Leandro, CA 94577

(510) 969-0788

Mondays - Fridays
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

visit our

Concord office

3361 Clayton Rd,
Concord, CA 94519

(925) 852-6568

By Appointment Only

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