What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to develop. The molars and premolars have natural grooves and pits that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush alone. Sealants fill these grooves to create a smooth, sealed surface that is far easier to keep clean and significantly less prone to decay.
Dental Sealants: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 |
| Time needed | A few minutes per tooth |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Recovery time | None |
| How long it lasts | Several years; checked and topped up at regular visits |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Dental Sealants Are For
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and adolescents as soon as their permanent molars come in, since the first few years after eruption are when teeth are most vulnerable to decay. However, adults who have deep grooves in their teeth or who are at higher risk for cavities can benefit from sealants as well. When paired with regular fluoride treatments and consistent routine cleanings, sealants provide an excellent additional layer of cavity prevention.
The chewing surfaces of molars have grooves too narrow for a toothbrush bristle to clean. Sealants fill those grooves so food and bacteria cannot settle in them.
- Children whose first permanent molars have come in, around age 6
- Children whose second molars have come in, around age 12
- Teenagers and adults with deep grooves and no fillings in those teeth
- Anyone with a high cavity risk
- Patients with braces, who find back teeth harder to clean
Dental Sealants at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, sealant application is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The tooth surface is cleaned and lightly conditioned before the sealant material is painted onto the enamel and hardened with a curing light. The entire process takes just minutes per tooth, requires no drilling or anesthesia, and the sealant begins protecting the tooth immediately. Patients can eat and drink normally right after the appointment.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Cleaning. The tooth is cleaned and dried.
- Conditioning. A mild gel roughens the enamel for a few seconds so the sealant bonds.
- Rinse and dry. The tooth is rinsed and kept dry.
- Application. Sealant is painted into the grooves.
- Curing. A light hardens the sealant in seconds, and the bite is checked.
Sealants at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it need drilling or numbing? | No |
| How long does it take? | A few minutes per tooth |
| How long does it last? | Several years; checked at each visit |
| Can it be repaired? | Yes, worn sealants are topped up |
A sealant takes a few minutes and no drilling. A cavity in the same groove takes a filling, and that filling will need replacing for life.
Before and After Your Visit
Getting the most from your appointment
Before your visit
- Brush before the visit
- Explain the steps to your child so there are no surprises
- Tell us about any allergies
After your visit
- Eat and drink normally straight away
- The bite may feel slightly different for a day or two
- Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, which can chip sealants
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- A sealant feels rough or comes off
- The bite still feels high after a few days
- The tooth becomes sensitive
Cost and Insurance
Preventative visits are the least expensive part of dental care, and they reduce the need for larger treatment later.
What affects the cost
- Whether X-rays are due
- The type of cleaning your gums need
- Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
- Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
