Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can help protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities.
At Piedmont Family Dentistry, we help patients and families understand when sealants may be appropriate. Sealants are often recommended for children and teens, but the right choice depends on the tooth, cavity risk, and how deep the grooves are on the chewing surface.
You may be here because...
-
A dentist recommended sealants for your child
-
Your child’s back teeth have deep grooves
-
You want to help prevent cavities
-
You are planning a routine dental visit
When Sealants May Be Recommended
Sealants may be recommended when the chewing surfaces of back teeth have grooves that are difficult to keep clean.
​
Molars and premolars can have small pits and grooves where food and plaque collect. A sealant places a thin protective coating over those areas to help reduce the chance of cavities forming there.
​
Before recommending sealants, the dentist will examine the teeth and check whether the chewing surfaces are healthy enough for sealants.
What Sealants Can Help With
Dental sealants may help:
​
-
Protect cavity-prone grooves on back teeth
-
Make chewing surfaces easier to keep clean
-
Lower cavity risk in newly erupted permanent molars
-
Support preventive care for children and teens
-
Add protection in areas toothbrush bristles may not reach well
Sealants do not replace brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits. They are one part of a prevention plan.
What to Expect
A sealant visit is usually simple and does not involve removing tooth structure.
​
The tooth is cleaned, dried, and prepared so the sealant can bond to the chewing surface. The sealant material is then placed into the grooves of the tooth and hardened.
​
The dentist will check the bite afterward to make sure the tooth feels comfortable.
Sealants and Cavity Prevention
Sealants are most often used on back teeth because those teeth do much of the chewing and can be harder to clean.
​
They are especially common for children and teens as permanent molars come in. Some adults may also benefit from sealants if the tooth surfaces are healthy and cavity-prone.
Request an Appointment
If you were told your child may benefit from sealants, or if you want to ask about cavity prevention, we can help you understand the options.
​
Questions about payment options? Visit our Payment Options page.
​
Dental Sealants FAQs
Are sealants only for children?
No. Sealants are most common for children and teens, but some adults may benefit from them depending on the tooth and cavity risk.
Do sealants hurt?
Sealants are usually placed on the chewing surface of the tooth without drilling into the tooth. The dentist can explain what to expect before treatment.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
​No. Sealants help protect certain grooves on back teeth, but brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are still important.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can wear over time. The dentist can check them during routine visits and let you know if a sealant needs repair or replacement.