The grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth are deep and hard to clean, so they are where children and teens get most of their cavities. A sealant is a thin, protective coating that fills those grooves and keeps food and bacteria out.
What to expect
- The tooth is cleaned and dried
- A mild solution roughens the surface so the sealant bonds well
- The sealant is painted on and hardened with a light
- There is no drilling and no freezing, and it takes only a few minutes per tooth
Who it is for
- Children, usually when the permanent molars come in around ages 6 and 12
- Teens and adults with deep grooves and a history of cavities
Good to know
Sealants can last for years. We check them at your regular visits and repair or replace them if they wear down. They protect the chewing surface only, so brushing, flossing and fluoride still matter.