Dental sealants

How sealants work

Back teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria love to hide, and a toothbrush often cannot clean them well. A sealant bonds into those grooves and seals them off, keeping out food, bacteria and acid. According to the American Dental Association, sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in the back teeth. They have been used successfully for more than 40 years.

Who can benefit

Children and adults can both benefit, but earlier is better. A sealant can be placed as soon as a permanent molar comes in. The first molars usually appear around age six or seven, and the second set around age 12 or 13. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend sealants for children. Research shows children without sealants are more than twice as likely to get cavities, and the CDC reports that children aged 6 to 11 without sealants have about three times as many first-molar cavities as those with sealants.

Sealants are usually placed on permanent molars and premolars. Baby teeth with many deep grooves may benefit too, because decay in baby teeth can lead to early tooth loss. Adults with healthy teeth that do not have cavities can also get sealants.

What the visit is like

1. We clean and dry the tooth thoroughly.
2. A mildly acidic gel roughens the chewing surface so the sealant bonds well.
3. We rinse the tooth, apply the sealant to the enamel and harden it with a curing light.

Placing a sealant takes about a minute per tooth and does not hurt. There are no restrictions afterward, so your child can eat, drink and go back to normal activities right away. A sealant may feel odd at first, but most people stop noticing it quickly.

The tooth needs to be completely dry, which can be hard for a child with a sensitive gag reflex or a very active tongue. In that case, we may suggest waiting six months to a year.

What to know

• Not visible. Sealants sit on back teeth, so they rarely show when you speak or smile. They can be clear, tinted or white.
• Not permanent. Sealants wear down. Many need replacing after about five years, and some last up to nine or ten when placed well.
• Limits. Sealants can protect healthy teeth or teeth with very minor decay. They cannot cover fillings or decayed teeth.
• Savings. Preventing decay can help you avoid fillings and crowns later.

Caring for sealants

Keep brushing and flossing as usual. Try to avoid chewy, sticky and hard foods. Come in for regular checkups so we can make sure the sealants are still doing their job or need replacing.

Common questions