Preventive dental sealants
Tooth sealants help protect hard-to-clean grooves from cavities.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They help block food and bacteria from settling into deep pits and fissures that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
Why sealants help
A simple way to protect cavity-prone teeth.
Sealants are often recommended for children and teens, but some adults can benefit too. We check the tooth shape, cavity risk, and enamel before recommending them.
Protect deep grooves
Sealants help cover pits and fissures where plaque and food can collect.
Support kids' prevention
Back teeth can be hard for children to clean well, especially soon after they erupt.
Reduce cavity risk
Sealants add a physical barrier on areas that are naturally more cavity-prone.
Keep the visit simple
The appointment is usually quick and does not require freezing or tooth drilling.
Add protection early
Sealants are often considered soon after permanent molars erupt, before deep grooves collect buildup.
Monitor as teeth grow
We check sealants at routine visits and can touch up worn areas when needed.
What to expect
A quick, comfortable preventive appointment.
Sealants do not usually require freezing or drilling. The tooth is cleaned, prepared, coated, and checked so the bite feels comfortable.
Tooth assessment
We check whether the grooves are deep, healthy, and appropriate for sealing.
Cleaning the surface
The tooth is cleaned so the sealant can bond properly.
Sealant placement
A thin coating is placed over the chewing surface and hardened.
Bite check
We make sure the tooth feels comfortable when biting and explain how to care for it.
Sealant details
When tooth sealants may be a good fit.
We recommend sealants when the tooth surface and cavity risk suggest added protection may help.
Sealants may be recommended for
- Deep grooves on molars
- Newly erupted adult back teeth
- Children or teens with cavity risk
- Hard-to-clean chewing surfaces
- Adults with healthy but cavity-prone grooves
We check
- Whether the tooth is cavity-free
- The shape and depth of the grooves
- Bite comfort after placement
- Home-care habits
- Whether fluoride may also be useful
Related services
Helpful services for cavity prevention.
Questions patients ask
Tooth sealant FAQs
These answers are general. We will assess the teeth before recommending sealants.
Do tooth sealants hurt?
Sealant placement is usually comfortable and typically does not require freezing or drilling.
Are sealants only for children?
Children and teens commonly benefit from sealants, but some adults with healthy cavity-prone grooves may also be candidates.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last for years, but they should be checked at regular dental visits and repaired or replaced if they wear down.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants help protect grooves, but brushing, flossing, fluoride guidance, and regular dental visits are still important.