Dental Sealants
A quick, painless coating that protects molars from cavities — ideal for kids and teens.
Protect molars from cavities — in minutes
A dental sealant is a thin, protective plastic coating applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cavities. This liquid coating quickly bonds into the deep grooves and pits of the teeth, forming a smooth, protective shield over the enamel.
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How do Sealants Prevent Cavities?
The back chewing teeth have natural deep ruts and fissures called grooves. These grooves are often narrower than a single toothbrush bristle, making it physically impossible to sweep away food particles and microscopic plaque at home.
- Blocks plaque and food: Sealants act as a physical barrier, sealing out decay-causing sugars and acids from these hard-to-clean crevices.
- Reduces cavity risk: According to clinical data, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for the first two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
- Children and teenagers: The ideal time to apply sealants is as soon as the permanent molars erupt, protecting them through the most cavity-prone years of childhood.
- First molars usually appear around age 6.
- Second molars emerge around age 12.
- Adults with deep grooves: Adults who do not have current decay or fillings in their molars, but possess naturally deep fissures, can benefit significantly from this preventive shield.
- Hard-to-reach teeth and wisdom teeth
What is the process of getting a dental sealant?
Getting dental sealants is completely non-invasive, takes only a few minutes per tooth, and requires no drilling or numbing injections:
- Thorough cleaning: The hygienist cleans and dries the target molar to ensure no debris is trapped underneath.
- Enamel conditioning: A mild, gel-like etching solution is briefly applied to the chewing surface to slightly roughen the enamel, helping the sealant stick.
- Rinse and dry: The conditioning gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried completely.
- Sealant application: The liquid sealant material is painted directly onto the grooves with a tiny brush.
- Curing the plastic: A specialized blue LED curing light is held over the tooth for about 20 to 30 seconds to instantly harden the plastic into a permanent shield.
How long do sealants last for?
With routine care, dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years.
How do I maintain my dental sealants?
During your standard 6-month check-ups, your dentist will inspect the sealants for wear, chipping, or cracking, and can easily reapply or touch up the plastic coating right in the chair if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers related to dental sealants.
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