Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect deep pits and grooves from cavities. Learn who may benefit, how sealants are placed and why risk matters more than age alone.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed in the pits and grooves of teeth that are difficult to keep clean. They create a physical barrier between the tooth surface and the plaque, food and acids that contribute to cavities.
Who benefits from sealants?
Sealants are commonly used on permanent molars in children and adolescents because these teeth often have deep grooves soon after eruption. They can also be appropriate for primary teeth or adults when the tooth anatomy and individual cavity risk justify them. Current pediatric guidance emphasizes risk rather than an arbitrary age cutoff.
Can a sealant be placed over an early cavity?
In selected noncavitated pit-and-fissure lesions, properly placed sealants can help arrest progression by sealing the lesion from the oral environment. A tooth with a cavitated lesion or more extensive decay generally needs a different treatment.
How are sealants placed?
The tooth is cleaned and carefully isolated from moisture. The surface is conditioned, the sealant material is flowed into the pits and grooves and then hardened. The bite is checked and adjusted if needed. The procedure does not usually require removal of healthy tooth structure.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can function for years, but they should be checked during dental examinations. If part of the sealant wears away or is lost, it can often be repaired or replaced.
Do sealants replace fluoride or brushing?
No. Sealants protect specific grooves on the chewing surface. Fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth and limiting frequent sugar exposure address other areas of cavity risk.
Dental sealants in Palo Alto
Dr. Sharma and our hygiene team can assess whether the pits and fissures of a particular tooth would benefit from sealing.
Request an appointment for preventive dental care.
