As part of a pediatric dental program of preventive care, the dentist may recommend the application of dental sealants. These thin, plastic-like coatings painted onto the biting surfaces of the newly erupted permanent back teeth provide your child with an added level of protection through the cavity-prone years. Covering the pits, fissures and grooves in the hard to reach back teeth, dental sealants prevent decay-causing bacteria and food particles from accumulating in these vulnerable areas. Sealants may also be useful in areas of incipient dental decay to stop further damage from occurring.
The value of dental sealants is well documented. According to the American Dental Association, they reduce the risk of cavities in school-age children by approximately 80%. Furthermore, children who do not receive dental sealants develop almost three times more cavities than children who do have them.
Having a healthy smile is essential for your child’s comfort, function, self-image and overall well being. Good dental routines established in youngsters provide a strong foundation for maintaining a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to block grooves and pits where food and bacteria collect. Most sealants are made from a durable resin that flows into fissures and bonds to enamel after the tooth is prepared. A mild etching solution is usually applied first to create a microscopically rough surface for better adhesion. A curing light quickly hardens the material to form a smooth, protective layer.
By physically preventing contact between bacteria and enamel, sealants reduce the environment in which cavities form on the biting surfaces. They are most effective when paired with a fluoride regimen, proper brushing and flossing, and routine professional cleanings. Sealants act as one part of a broader preventive strategy rather than a standalone solution.
Children and teenagers are common candidates because their newly erupted permanent molars often have deep grooves that trap plaque and food. Adults can also benefit when molar grooves remain intact and free of large restorations. Clinicians evaluate candidacy based on tooth anatomy, oral hygiene habits, dietary risk factors, and a history of decay. Teeth with existing large restorations or active extensive decay are typically not suitable for sealants.
A personalized assessment during a preventive visit determines whether sealants will provide meaningful protection. Your dental team considers overall cavity risk and whether sealants will complement other preventive measures. When appropriate, sealants are targeted to the teeth most likely to benefit from an additional protective barrier.
Sealants are most beneficial soon after permanent molars erupt because those teeth are vulnerable while brushing skills and dietary habits are still developing. The first permanent molars commonly come in around age six and the second permanent molars around age 12, which are typical times to evaluate for sealants. Primary molars may receive sealants in select situations when risk is elevated and biting surfaces are intact. Timing is individualized based on eruption patterns and the clinician’s risk assessment.
Early placement secures vulnerable surfaces during high-risk years and can reduce the need for future restorative care. Parents should discuss sealant timing at well-child dental visits so protection is applied promptly after eruption. Regular checkups then allow clinicians to monitor sealant integrity as the child grows.
Applying a sealant is a quick, conservative procedure completed during a routine visit and it is generally painless. The tooth is cleaned and isolated to keep the surface dry, then a mild etchant is applied to improve bonding. The liquid resin is flowed into grooves and fissures and a curing light is used to harden the material within seconds. No drilling or local anesthesia is typically required, and the process usually takes only a few minutes per tooth.
After placement, the clinician checks the bite and makes minor adjustments if needed so chewing feels normal. Patients can resume regular eating and oral hygiene immediately unless the clinician advises otherwise. Because the treatment is noninvasive and fast, it integrates easily into preventive appointments for both children and adults.
Sealants are durable but not indestructible, and many remain effective for several years with proper care. During routine dental exams clinicians inspect sealants to confirm they are intact and functioning as intended, and minor wear or damage can usually be repaired or reapplied. Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing, supports sealant longevity. Avoiding highly abrasive habits and addressing chips promptly helps maintain protection.
If a sealant chips or comes off it should be evaluated so the protective benefit can be restored before decay progresses. Regular professional cleanings and checkups are the primary opportunity for monitoring and maintenance. Timely repairs are straightforward and help minimize the need for later restorative treatment.
Adults without large restorations on their molars can be good candidates for sealants when grooves remain deep and at risk of trapping debris. Sealants are sometimes placed over areas with very early enamel breakdown to help arrest progression and avoid drilling when clinically appropriate. The suitability of sealants depends on an individual evaluation of the extent of existing decay and the condition of the enamel. Teeth with extensive restorations or active deep decay typically require restorative treatment rather than sealant placement.
Your clinician will review alternatives and select the most conservative option that protects tooth structure and oral health. In some situations other preventive materials or targeted restorative treatments are recommended to address specific needs. The decision is guided by clinical findings and a comprehensive risk assessment.
No, sealants complement but do not replace fluoride treatments or standard oral hygiene practices. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps remineralize early decay, while sealants provide a targeted physical barrier on chewing surfaces. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and professional cleanings remain essential for preventing decay in all areas of the mouth. Sealants address a specific risk on fissured surfaces and work best as part of a multifaceted prevention plan.
During preventive visits clinicians evaluate the combined benefits of sealants, fluoride, and hygiene for each patient. Incorporating all appropriate measures gives the strongest protection against cavities and reduces the need for more invasive care. Patients should view sealants as one effective layer within an overall oral health strategy.
The two common categories of sealants are resin-based materials and glass ionomer sealants, each with distinct properties and clinical uses. Resin-based sealants are durable and highly wear-resistant when placed under ideal dry conditions, while glass ionomer sealants are more tolerant of moisture and can release fluoride over time. Clinicians select the material based on factors such as the tooth’s location, the ability to maintain a dry field during placement, and the patient’s overall caries risk. The choice aims to maximize adhesion and protection given the specific clinical situation.
Technique and isolation during placement influence long-term performance as much as material choice. Your dental team will explain why a particular sealant type is recommended and how it fits into the broader preventive plan. In all cases the goal is to provide reliable protection tailored to the patient’s needs.
At routine checkups clinicians examine sealants visually and with gentle probing to confirm they remain intact and free of defects. Bite evaluation and periodic radiographs help identify any underlying issues or marginal gaps that might permit decay to develop. If a sealant shows minor wear or a small defect it can usually be repaired or reapplied quickly during a subsequent visit. Significant loss of material or decay beneath a sealant would prompt a different restorative approach as needed.
Mercer Island Dental Associates documents sealant status and discusses findings with patients or caregivers at each preventive appointment. Regular monitoring ensures sealants continue to serve their protective role and supports timely maintenance when indicated. Clear communication about condition and next steps helps patients stay informed about their preventive care.
The most reliable way to determine whether sealants are appropriate is a preventive dental visit that includes a clinical exam and risk assessment. During that appointment your clinician will evaluate tooth anatomy, eruption status, oral hygiene, dietary habits, and prior decay history to recommend personalized options. You can also ask questions about the placement process, expected benefits, and any alternatives based on your risk profile. A tailored recommendation ensures sealants are used where they provide true preventive value.
To learn more or schedule an evaluation, contact Mercer Island Dental Associates and request a preventive visit for a sealant assessment. Bring questions about your child’s or your own dental history so the clinician can make the most informed recommendation. With a clear plan in place you can move forward confidently with preventive steps that suit your needs.
