Preventive Sealants
A sealant is a thin tooth colored protective coating that is placed on a tooth. The sealant starts as a liquid that flows down into the tiny, difficult to clean, grooves of a tooth. When the sealant material is just where we want it, we use a curing light to harden the sealant. The now hard sealant is smooth, and much easier to clean, helping to protect the tooth from food collecting in the grooves causing decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preventive dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to help prevent cavities and tooth decay by blocking food particles and bacteria from settling into deep grooves.
Sealants create a smooth protective barrier over the pits and fissures of teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to cause decay.
Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, but adults with deep grooves in their teeth and no existing decay can also benefit from sealants.
Most children benefit from sealants shortly after their permanent molars erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12.
Yes. Dental sealants have been used safely for many years and are considered an effective preventive treatment for reducing the risk of tooth decay.
With proper care and regular dental checkups, sealants can last several years. Your dentist will monitor them during routine visits and repair or replace them if needed.
No. The procedure is completely painless, non-invasive, and does not require drilling or freezing in most cases.
Applying sealants is quick and usually takes only a few minutes per tooth during a regular dental appointment.