Do dental sealants need to be done?

We recommend it, as its effectiveness in preventing molar cavities is well established. The deep, narrow grooves on the chewing surface of the molars cannot be reached by toothbrush bristles and are where cavities most often start; a sealant fills these grooves in advance so food and bacteria cannot collect. For patients aged 18 and under, the National Health Insurance covers sealants on cavity-free first and second permanent molars, so the cost is low. The best timing is around ages 6 and 12, when the permanent molars come in. However, a tooth that already has a cavity needs restorative treatment rather than a sealant, so we decide after an examination.