Dental Sealants
Deep grooves on the back teeth can trap food and plaque, even with regular brushing. Dental sealants can help protect these chewing surfaces by creating a thin protective layer over the grooves.
At Dental Elements, we provide dental sealants as part of preventive dental care for children, teens, and adults when appropriate. Sealants may help reduce the risk of cavities on molars and premolars, especially when combined with brushing, flossing, fluoride, healthy eating habits, and regular dental exams.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are usually applied to molars and premolars because these teeth often have pits and grooves where plaque and food can collect.
Once placed, the sealant bonds to the tooth surface and helps create a smoother area that may be easier to clean. Sealants do not cover every surface of the tooth, so daily brushing and flossing are still important.
Sealants are often recommended for children, teenagers, and adults if their teeth have deep grooves and are at risk for cavities.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants can be a helpful preventive option for patients with deep grooves or a higher risk of cavities. They are not a replacement for daily oral hygiene, but they can provide an additional layer of protection.
The benefits include:
- Cavity Prevention: Sealants may help reduce the risk of cavities on chewing surfaces.
- Easier Cleaning: Sealants can smooth deep grooves where food and plaque may collect.
- Added Protection: Sealants can support long-term oral health when used with regular home care.
- Quick Application: Sealants can usually be placed during a short dental visit.
The benefits depend on the tooth, cavity risk, oral hygiene habits, diet, and regular dental care.
Who May Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Sealants are commonly used for children and teens, but they may also be suitable for adults.
Sealants may be considered for:
- Children with newly erupted permanent molars
- Teens with cavity-prone back teeth
- Adults with deep grooves in molars or premolars
- Patients with a higher risk of cavities
A dental exam is needed to determine whether sealants are appropriate. If a tooth already has decay, a filling or another treatment may be needed instead.
What Happens During Dental Sealants?
Dental sealant placement is usually quick and comfortable. Anesthetic is not usually needed because the process does not involve removing tooth structure.
During your treatment, we take the following steps:
- Cleaning the Tooth: We clean the tooth surface to remove plaque and debris.
- Drying the Tooth: We keep the tooth dry so the sealant can bond properly.
- Preparing the Surface: We apply a conditioning material to help the sealant attach to the tooth.
- Rinsing and Drying: We rinse and dry the tooth again before placing the sealant.
- Applying the Sealant: We place the sealant material into the grooves of the tooth.
- Hardening the Sealant: We may use a curing light to help the sealant set.
After the sealant is placed, patients can usually return to normal eating and drinking, unless our team gives specific instructions.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last for several years, but they can wear down, chip, or come off over time. Their lifespan depends on chewing habits, bite pressure, oral hygiene, and regular dental visits.
During routine exams, we check sealants to make sure they are still covering the grooves properly. If a sealant is worn or missing, it may be repaired or replaced when appropriate.
Good home care is still important. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but cavities can still form between teeth or along the gumline if plaque is not removed.
How to Care for Dental Sealants
Caring for sealants is simple. You should continue regular oral hygiene and avoid habits that may damage the teeth or sealant material.
To care for sealants:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day.
- Drink water more often between meals.
- Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
- Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard objects.
- Visit us for regular exams and cleanings.
If a sealant feels rough, chipped, loose, or different when biting, it should be checked.
Protect Teeth with Preventive Care
Dental sealants can help protect cavity-prone chewing surfaces when they are recommended for the right patient. They work best as part of a complete prevention plan that includes home care, fluoride, healthy eating habits, and regular dental visits.
At Dental Elements, we provide dental sealants based on each patient’s oral health needs. Our team can examine your teeth, explain whether sealants are appropriate, and recommend care that supports long-term oral health.
Call or visit us today to schedule an appointment.
Get In Touch
FAQ's
Are sealants necessary for teeth?
Sealants are not necessary for every patient. They may be recommended when molars or premolars have deep grooves or a higher risk of cavities.
How long does a dental sealant last?
Dental sealants can last for several years, but they may wear down or come off over time. Regular dental exams allow the dental team to check and repair them if needed.
Are sealants the same as fillings?
No. Sealants are preventive coatings placed on cavity-prone chewing surfaces. Fillings are used to repair teeth that already have decay or damage.
What is the best age to get dental sealants?
Sealants are often recommended when permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. However, the right timing depends on the patient’s teeth and cavity risk.
Can cavities grow under sealants?
Cavities can develop if a sealant wears down, chips, or no longer seals the grooves properly. Regular dental visits help monitor sealants and the tooth underneath.
Why might a dentist recommend sealants?
Sealants may be recommended to protect teeth with deep grooves or a higher risk of cavities. They can help reduce food and plaque buildup on chewing surfaces.