Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. The surfaces of these teeth have natural depressions, grooves, and pits, known as fissures, which are often deep and narrow, making them difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush. These fissures trap food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, which leads to tooth decay. The sealant material works by flowing into these deep crevices and hardening, effectively creating a smooth, protective barrier or shield over the tooth surface. This smooth barrier prevents food and plaque from becoming trapped in the vulnerable areas, thereby blocking the bacteria from accessing the enamel and significantly reducing the risk of decay.

Dental sealants are highly effective for children and adolescents, as they provide protection during the years when children are most prone to developing cavities in their permanent back teeth due to poor brushing habits. The ideal time for sealant placement is as soon as the permanent molars erupt, which typically occurs between the ages of six and twelve. However, sealants are also beneficial for adults who have deep fissures in their molars that have not yet decayed or who are generally at a higher risk of developing cavities. Ultimately, the best candidate is any person, regardless of age, who has deep grooves in their back teeth that are difficult to clean and who has not had a filling placed in those specific areas.

Dental sealants are a durable protective measure, but they are not permanent. On average, a sealant can last between five and ten years, sometimes even longer, before needing reapplication. Their longevity depends primarily on a patient’s chewing habits, the amount of grinding or clenching they do, and the general wear and tear they receive. During routine dental check-ups, the dentist or hygienist will carefully examine the condition of the sealants. If a sealant becomes chipped, cracked, or worn away, the seal integrity is compromised, and the protective barrier is lost. In these cases, the sealant can be easily repaired or replaced with a new application in a simple, non-invasive procedure to ensure continuous protection against decay.

The application of dental sealants is a completely non-invasive, non-painful procedure that typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. The process involves no drilling, no anesthesia, and no removal of the tooth structure. The steps involve first cleaning the tooth surface thoroughly to remove any plaque or debris. Next, a conditioning solution is applied to the chewing surface for a few seconds to microscopically etch the enamel, which helps the sealant bond securely. The liquid sealant material is then carefully painted onto the tooth, flowing easily into all the grooves. Finally, a special curing light is directed at the tooth for a few seconds to rapidly harden the material. Since the procedure is so quick and gentle, it is very well tolerated by both children and anxious patients.

Dental sealants are widely considered a safe and highly effective dental treatment, supported by major health organizations globally. The minimal safety concern that sometimes arises involves the trace amounts of a compound called bisphenol A (BPA) that can potentially be released from some sealant materials. However, numerous scientific studies and extensive reviews have concluded that the very minimal exposure to BPA from dental sealants is not a risk to human health and is significantly lower than daily environmental exposures. The proven anti-cavity benefits of sealants far outweigh any theoretical risks, making them a safe and recommended preventative measure for tooth decay.

Immediately after the sealant application, your dentist will advise you to avoid certain foods to ensure the material sets properly and bonds securely to the tooth enamel. Typically, you should avoid chewing on hard, sticky, or crunchy foods for the rest of the day. Sticky candies, chewing gum, hard nuts, and ice should be avoided, as these can pull the freshly placed sealant material out of the grooves before it has fully cured. In the long term, avoiding habitual behaviors like chewing on ice, pen caps, or fingernails is important, as these habits can cause the hard sealant material to chip or crack, compromising its protective seal.

Dental sealants and dental fillings are fundamentally different treatments, distinguished by their purpose and the condition of the tooth. Dental sealants are a preventative measure applied only to healthy teeth that have not yet decayed. Their goal is to stop decay from starting by creating a barrier over vulnerable grooves. The application is non-invasive and does not remove any tooth structure. Dental fillings, conversely, are a restorative treatment used after a cavity has already formed. The procedure involves drilling out the decayed portion of the tooth, which is a permanent removal of tooth structure, and then filling the resulting hole with a restorative material like composite or amalgam. A sealant prevents the need for a filling, but once a cavity exists, only a filling can repair the damage.

No, dental sealants are not designed to be noticeable and should not affect the way you chew or bite down once the material has fully set. The sealant material is often clear, white, or slightly tinted, allowing it to blend naturally with the rest of the tooth’s enamel. While the material initially fills the deep grooves, it does so only to the depth of the fissure, and any excess is carefully adjusted by the dentist to ensure your bite remains exactly as it was before the procedure. Some patients may initially feel a very minor difference in texture with their tongue, but this sensation is temporary and quickly disappears as they get used to the smooth, protected surface.

Generally, dental sealants are intended to be applied to healthy, cavity-free teeth to prevent decay. However, if a tooth has a very tiny, incipient lesion—a cavity that has just barely started and is confined to the outermost layer of the enamel—a dentist may sometimes choose to clean the area and apply a sealant over it. This is based on the principle that the sealant will starve the existing bacteria of its food source, thereby stopping the progression of that very early stage of decay. This practice is debated and depends on the dentist’s assessment and the depth of the lesion. For any cavity that has broken through the enamel or is clearly established, a proper dental filling is necessary to fully remove the infected tooth structure before sealing or restoration.

You generally cannot tell if your dental sealants are intact just by looking at them yourself, as they are discreet and applied to the back chewing surfaces. This is why regular professional dental check-ups are essential. During your routine visit, the dentist or hygienist will use a small dental explorer tool and visual inspection to check the integrity of every sealant, looking for any signs of chipping, cracking, or wear. If a sealant falls out, the protective barrier is instantly lost, and the tooth is immediately exposed to decay risk. If you feel a rough edge or notice a piece of sealant material has come off, you should contact your dentist to schedule a quick and easy reapplication appointment as soon as possible to restore the full protective seal.