Dental Sealant Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for fissure sealant treatment that protects your child’s teeth from decay.
Set the number of teeth for the protective fissure sealant, typically applied to molars and premolars.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
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This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (3-2 Fissure Sealant). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive plan is set after your child’s examination.
Dental sealant prices are one of the topics parents most often look up when they want to protect their child’s newly erupted permanent molars. A dental sealant (fissure sealant) is the procedure in which the natural grooves and pits (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of the teeth are filled with a fluid resin-based material to prevent decay. Routinely applied to the first permanent molars erupting between ages 6–8 and the second permanent molars erupting between ages 11–13, it is one of the most effective methods in preventive dentistry.
Fissures are the narrow, deep, branching anatomical structures on the chewing surface of the tooth. These grooves are so narrow that toothbrush bristles cannot reach them. Food debris and bacterial plaque accumulate in these fissures and form decay over time. In paediatric dentistry, the great majority of decay in children’s teeth starts in exactly this area. A fissure sealant covers the fissures with a fluid resin and reduces this risk to almost zero.
Applying a fissure sealant is painless, requires no anaesthesia, and takes only a few minutes. No tooth structure is removed (no drilling); a protective layer is simply added to the existing enamel surface. As an early protective procedure, this child-friendly treatment can prevent your child from needing procedures such as a primary tooth filling or baby-tooth root canal later.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, fissure sealants are placed by our paediatric dentist Dr. Dt. Ceyda Pınar Tanrıverdi. Each child’s tooth anatomy, caries risk, and brushing habits are assessed to set a personalised sealant plan. The condition of the sealant is then tracked with routine follow-up.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant (pit and fissure sealant) is the procedure in which the natural anatomical grooves and pits on the chewing surface of a tooth are sealed with a fluid, light-cured resin-based material to form a physical barrier. It is routinely placed on newly erupted permanent molars in children (the first molars between ages 6–8, the second molars between ages 11–13) and on premolars with deep fissures.
The goal of a sealant is to keep food debris and bacteria out of the micro-pits the brush cannot reach. The material bonds chemically or mechanically to the enamel surface and fills the fissures. The anatomy of the tooth does not change — only a protective layer is added. With good oral hygiene and 6-monthly check-ups, the effectiveness of the sealant can be maintained for years.
Types of Dental Sealant
Resin-Based Sealant
StandardThe most commonly used type. Available in white or clear shades. Light-cured and bonds strongly to the fissures. Durability can extend to 5–7 years.
Glass Ionomer Sealant
Fluoride-ReleasingReleases fluoride and provides an anti-caries effect. Used in young children where moisture control is difficult and on newly erupting teeth. Shorter-term protection, but the fluoride release provides added benefit.
Compomer Sealant
HybridA hybrid material combining the properties of resin and glass ionomer. Provides both bond strength and fluoride release. Suitable for extensive and medium-to-deep fissures.
Coloured (Pink/Blue) Sealant
Child-FriendlySealants made in colours children find appealing and that make wear easy to monitor. The colour makes wear and loss easy to spot.
The Dental Sealant Process
Placing a sealant is a painless and quick preventive procedure. The steps are as follows:
Clinical Examination
The clinician examines the teeth in the child’s mouth and identifies newly erupted molars with deep fissures and the sites that need treatment. The presence of any existing decay is checked.
Surface Cleaning
The chewing surface of the tooth to be treated is cleaned with prophylaxis pastes and specialised brushes. The enamel surface is cleared of debris; this step is critical to a successful bond.
Isolation
Moisture control is vital to the success of a sealant. The tooth is kept dry with cotton rolls, a rubber dam, or a saliva ejector. Saliva contact prevents the sealant from bonding.
Acid Etching
A 37% phosphoric acid gel is applied to the enamel surface for 15–20 seconds. This roughens the enamel and helps the sealant bond. The acid is then rinsed off thoroughly with water and dried.
Bonding and Sealant Placement
If needed, a bonding agent is applied first. The fluid sealant material is then placed into the grooves and pits on the chewing surface. Care is taken to avoid air bubbles.
Light Curing
The application is cured with an LED light for 20–40 seconds. The material sets and bonds to the tooth. After this step, the sealant is fully functional.
Bite Check
The child’s bite is checked; any high spots that affect the bite are adjusted with a bur. The session is complete and the child can return to normal activities right away.
Factors Affecting Dental Sealant Prices
Sealant cost varies with the material used, the number of teeth treated, and fissure anatomy:
Material Used
Resin-based, glass ionomer, compomer, and coloured sealant materials all carry different costs. The clinician recommends the right material for the child’s situation; the best choice depends on the clinical context.
Number of Teeth Treated
The 4 first permanent molars (the “6-year molars”) are routinely protected. Premolars and second permanent molars are also included where needed. The total number of teeth directly affects cost.
Fissure Depth and Anatomy
Shallow and normal fissures are sealed with standard application. Deep, complex fissures require more material and care. Fissure anatomy varies from child to child.
Child’s Cooperation
Isolation and moisture control become harder in uncooperative or very young children. This can lengthen the session. Cases requiring additional cooperation may need an extra session.
Additional Preventive Procedures
It is common to perform a fluoride treatment in the same session. Fluoride treatment is priced separately; combining the two maximises decay protection.
Follow-Up and Replacement
Sealants can wear or be lost over time. If replacement is needed, the cost is addressed at annual follow-up visits. Routine check-ups are important for continued protection.
Dental Sealant vs. Filling
| Feature | Dental Sealant | Filling |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent decay forming (preventive) | Treat existing decay (restorative) |
| Tooth Preparation | None | Carious tissue must be removed |
| Anaesthesia | Not needed | May be needed |
| Duration | 5–10 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Age of Application | As soon as the permanent tooth erupts | When decay is detected |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally as soon as the first permanent molars erupt (ages 6–8). The second permanent molars are included after they erupt between ages 11–13. Sealants can also be placed on primary molars with deep fissures where needed. The first few years right after eruption are the highest-risk period for decay.
A correctly placed resin sealant lasts 5–7 years on average, and in some cases much longer. Wear and loss are identified at routine check-ups and replaced if needed. Routine 6-monthly check-ups are important for reviewing the condition of the sealant.
No, placing a sealant is completely painless. There is no drilling or cutting on the tooth. No anaesthesia is needed. All the child has to do is keep their mouth open; it can be placed comfortably even in less cooperative children.
A sealant largely prevents decay but doesn’t guarantee it entirely. Decay can develop on the other surfaces of the tooth (the interproximal surfaces). Regular brushing, fluoride treatment, and check-ups remain important.
Some private health insurance policies cover sealants according to their terms. We recommend checking the dental cover in your private policy with your insurance provider. They can also be performed under paediatric dental treatment in SGK-contracted facilities.
The majority of children with deep fissures on their permanent molars are recommended for one. It may not be needed in children with shallow fissures and very low caries risk. The decision is made after clinical examination; the risk assessment is personalised for each child.
No. A sealant is a resin application that creates a physical barrier. A fluoride treatment chemically strengthens the enamel. The two complement each other and are typically performed together; combined, they provide the most comprehensive decay protection.
Once loss is noticed, a replacement session is planned. The tooth underneath is checked for any new decay. That’s why routine 6-monthly check-ups are important. In cases of partial loss, the sealant can be repaired and protection continued.
After light curing, the sealant fully sets right away. The child can eat without hesitation. Avoiding hard and sticky foods on the first day is recommended; this gentle break-in period extends the sealant’s durability.
The risk of decay under a properly placed, intact sealant is very low. However, if it has partly come off or has weak bonding, decay can develop underneath. That’s why routine check-ups are essential; if neglected, the sealant doesn’t serve its purpose.
