Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that your dentist will apply to the tops of your molars, or back teeth.

2. What is the purpose of dental sealants? Why should I consider getting sealants?

The most common place for decay to develop is on the top of the molars, because the molars are used to chew your food and are therefore very susceptible to decay. Placing dental sealants over these molars helps to prevent decay, and therefore cavities.

3. When is the optimal time to get dental sealants?

Sealants are most often placed on permanent molars, in order to optimize the use, but the sooner you get sealants the better. Therefore, children ages 5-15, who have developed their permanent molars, are optimal candidates for sealants. However, if you are an adult and have not yet been treated, we would recommend scheduling an in-office consultation.  Sealants are an affordable alternative to the costly, time-consuming, and painful alternative: cavities.

4. How are dental sealants applied?

Applying sealants is a rather simple and 100% painless procedure. First, one of our dental hygienists will clean your teeth with tooth polish to prepare the surfaces to be sealed. Then, your dentist will apply the sealant, painting it on with a small brush. A minute later, the sealant material dries and hardens, and the teeth are protected.

5. Can I still get cavities with dental sealants?

Sealants are not guaranteed to prevent cavities; however, they do cut down on your chances of developing decay and cavities, because they minimize the contact between your teeth and foods that may cause decay, such as those rich in sugar. Combined with a daily regimen of tooth brushing and flossing, sealants are the best way to prevent further decay. It is very important to note that sealants do NOT replace the daily necessity of brushing and flossing.

6. Can I feel the sealants in my mouth?

After the sealant dries, your dentist will ask you to bite down onto a bit of articulating paper that will show your dentist if there are any irregularities in the sealant. If you can feel the sealant, your dentist will make necessary changes to the sealant, and by the time you leave the office, your teeth and bite should feel as it did when you arrived.

7. Are my dental sealants visible?

Sealants are only visible upon very close inspection of the tooth itself; however, they are applied with white or clear material, so will not be visible to others while speaking, smiling, or chewing.

8. How long will my dental sealants last?

Sealants last between 5-10 years, but your dentist will evaluate your sealants upon routine teeth-cleaning visits to determine if they need to be touched up or replaced. Sealants rarely pop out, but on the occasion that they do, the sealants should be re-applied. 

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