Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a quick, painless, and highly effective way to help protect teeth from decay. They are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where deep grooves and pits make brushing alone less effective at removing food and bacteria.

The back teeth, or molars, have natural grooves that can trap food particles and plaque. Even with diligent brushing, these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that helps shield the enamel from cavity-causing bacteria.

At Fremont Family Smiles, applying sealants is simple and comfortable. The tooth is cleaned and prepared, the sealant material is painted onto the grooved surface, and it is hardened in place. No drilling or anesthesia is required, making sealants an excellent preventive option for both children and adults.

The American Dental Association recognizes dental sealants as an effective method for reducing the risk of decay, particularly in molars (ada.org). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants can significantly reduce cavities in school-age children when applied to permanent molars (cdc.gov/oralhealth).

Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers as their permanent molars come in, but adults without decay or existing fillings in their molars can also benefit. During your visit, our doctors evaluate whether sealants are an appropriate part of your preventive care plan.

With routine dental visits, sealants can be monitored and reapplied if needed, providing years of added protection against cavities.