Dental Sealants

What are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective plastic or resin coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). It acts as a barrier, sealing off deep grooves and pits to prevent food and cavity-causing bacteria from becoming trapped where toothbrush bristles cannot easily reach. 

Who Should Get Sealants?

• Sealants work best for children and teens, but adults can benefit too.

• Children (ages 6 to 12) - Protects new permanent molars as they come in

• Teenagers - Guards teeth during cavity-prone years

• Adults with deep grooves - Seals areas where brushing cannot reach

• Anyone with a history of cavities - Adds an extra layer of protection

Where Do Sealants Go?

Sealants are placed on the back teeth — your molars and premolars.
These teeth have deep pits and grooves that trap food and bacteria.
Sealants cover these spots so cavities cannot form.

How Are Sealants Applied?

The process is quick, easy, and painless:

• We clean the tooth to remove any plaque or food

• We dry the tooth and place a soft cotton roll beside it

• We apply a special gel to roughen the surface slightly

• We rinse and dry the tooth again

• We paint on the sealant — it flows into the grooves

• We harden it with a light — this takes just a few seconds

• We check your bite to make sure it feels right

Each tooth takes only a few minutes. No drilling. No needles. No pain.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can last 5 to 10 years or even longer. We check them at every visit to make sure they are still in place and working well. If a sealant wears down or chips, we can easily add more.

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes. Dental sealants are very safe. They are made from materials that have been used in dentistry for decades. The amount of material used is tiny, and it bonds only to the tooth surface.

Do Sealants Replace Brushing and Flossing?

No. Sealants are an extra layer of protection, not a replacement for good habits. You still need to:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss daily

• Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings

Will Insurance Cover Sealants?

Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens because they are proven to prevent cavities. Coverage for adults varies. We can check your plan and let you know.

Schedule a Sealant Appointment

Sealants are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent cavities. Whether it is for your child or yourself, a few minutes today can save you from bigger problems later.