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Children's Dentistry

Dental Sealants

Sealants add a protective shield to the chewing surfaces of your child's molars, right where cavities most often start. It's a quick, painless, and highly effective way to keep decay out.

All Pediatric Dentistry

What a Sealant Is

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating painted into the deep grooves of the back molars. Those grooves trap food and are tough for little hands to brush clean, so sealing them keeps decay out before it can start.

Applying a sealant takes only a few minutes per tooth, involves no drilling, and is completely comfortable.

A shield on the molars

We seal the deep grooves where most childhood cavities begin.

No drilling, no numbing

A comfortable coat that fits right into a regular checkup.

Highly effective

One of the best-proven ways to prevent decay in back teeth.

A protective sealant being applied to a cavity-prone molar

How We Apply Them

It's quick, comfortable, and drill-free. Here's the whole thing.

1

Clean the tooth

We clean and dry the chewing surface so the sealant bonds well.

2

Paint into the grooves

We flow the sealant into the deep grooves of the molar.

3

Harden with a light

A curing light sets it firm in seconds.

4

Done, no drilling

Your child bites to check it feels natural, and they're finished.

Why Sealants Are Worth It

The chewing surfaces of the molars are where most childhood cavities begin. Sealants block those vulnerable grooves, and paired with fluoride and regular cleanings, they're one of the most effective ways to prevent decay. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can prevent about 80% of cavities in the back teeth in the first two years after they're applied.

When & Who Should Get Them

Sealants work best when applied soon after the permanent molars come in, usually around ages six and twelve, though we evaluate each child individually. Most children are good candidates as their molars erupt, and kids who are prone to cavities benefit most. We check existing sealants at each visit and reapply if one wears down.

A few painless minutes now can spare your child a cavity later, right where they're most likely to get one.

Common questions

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants can last several years. We check them at each visit and reapply if one wears down, so your child stays protected.

Do sealants hurt to put on?

Not at all. There is no drilling or numbing. We clean the tooth, paint on the sealant, and harden it with a light.

Are sealants only for kids?

Sealants are most common for children and teens as their molars come in, but they can benefit some adults too.

Where to go next

Fluoride Treatments Strengthen enamel against decay.
Routine Cleanings Six-month checkups and cleanings.
Tooth-Colored Fillings If a cavity does form.
First Dental Visit New to our office?

Need to be seen?

Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.

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All Pediatric Dentistry · Dentistry & Orthodontics

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