Dental Sealants

Sealants are a quick, painless part of our preventive care, most often for children.

How sealants work

The chewing surfaces of molars are full of tiny pits and grooves. It is difficult for your toothbrush to reach into them, and if left alone, those tiny areas can develop decay. Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque, so brushing becomes easier and more effective.

Most cavities in children and teens start in these grooves, which is why sealing them early makes such a difference.

Who should get sealants

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure after the permanent teeth have erupted. The first permanent molars usually come in around age six and the second molars around age 12, so those are common times to seal them.

It is more common to seal permanent teeth than baby teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis. Adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth that have deep grooves and no fillings.

The sealant procedure, step by step

Sealing a tooth takes only a few minutes, with no drilling and no numbing:

1. The tooth is cleaned and polished.
2. It is dried and kept dry with cotton or a small shield.
3. A mild solution is applied to roughen the surface slightly so the sealant bonds well, then rinsed off.
4. The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves.
5. A special light hardens it in seconds.

Your child can eat and drink normally right after the visit.

How long sealants last

Sealants last from three to five years, and it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. We check them at every regular exam and touch them up when needed.

A sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact. If your sealants come off, let your dentist know and schedule an appointment to have your teeth re-sealed.

Sealants and fluoride work together

Sealants protect the grooves, and fluoride strengthens the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Together with brushing, flossing and a low-sugar diet, they give children the best chance of a cavity-free smile. Read more about first visits and habits for kids on our pediatric dentistry page.

Sealants are often covered by dental insurance for children; see our financial information page or request an appointment to find out if they are right for your family.