Sealants are a preventive treatment that reduces the chances of developing cavities in the natural pits, grooves and fissures of back teeth that are usually hard to clean. A thin coating is placed on the chewing surfaces of molars (and sometimes premolars) to seal the grooves and fissures, to create shallower areas that are smoother and easier to clean.

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Applying sealants is quick and painless. The teeth are cleaned and dried, and an acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces to help the sealant adhere to the teeth. The sealant material is then applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light.

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Sealants can be a very effective way to prevent cavities in children and teenagers, who are particularly susceptible to tooth decay in their early years of tooth development.  Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth, typically around age six when the first permanent molars come in, and again around age 12 when the second molars emerge.

 

However, sealants can also be applied to adult teeth if they are at risk for decay. Sealants can last for many years with proper care, but they may need to be reapplied or repaired over time.

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Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic material that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, making them more prone to developing cavities. Sealants are used to help prevent tooth decay by creating a barrier on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, effectively sealing out bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities.

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The sealant material is applied in a liquid form and then hardened with a special light. This creates a thin, protective layer over the tooth enamel that can last for several years with proper care. Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth, typically around age six when the first permanent molars come in, and again around age 12 when the second molars emerge. However, adults who are at risk for tooth decay can also benefit from sealants.

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Sealants are a safe and effective way to protect teeth from decay and are often recommended by dentists as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. They can be applied quickly and painlessly, and they do not require any drilling or removal of tooth structure.