What Are Dental Sealants?
Back teeth have deep grooves that trap food and bacteria. Sealants smooth those grooves over, making cavities far less likely.
Even children who brush well can get cavities in their back teeth. The chewing surfaces of molars are full of deep pits and grooves that trap food and bacteria, and toothbrush bristles often cannot reach the bottom of them. Sealants are a simple way to close those gaps.
What Sealants Are
A sealant is a thin, tooth-colored coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It flows into the grooves and hardens, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and harder for bacteria to settle into.
How They Are Applied
The process is quick and painless, with no drilling or numbing. We clean and dry the tooth, apply a gentle conditioning solution, paint on the sealant, and harden it with a curing light. Each tooth takes only a few minutes.
When Children Should Get Them
Sealants work best when placed soon after the permanent molars come in, usually around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. Adults and teens with deep grooves and no fillings can benefit too.
How Long They Last
Sealants can last several years. We check them at each checkup and touch them up if they show wear. They work alongside brushing, flossing, and fluoride; they do not replace them.
Ask at Your Next Visit
If your child is due for a checkup, ask whether sealants make sense for them. Learn more about our family dentistry and preventive care, or book an appointment.