Get long-lasting cavity protection with a clear sealant applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars. No drilling and no discomfort.
Dental sealants are one of the most effective preventive treatments for reducing cavities in both children and adults. Back teeth, especially the molars and premolars, contain deep grooves that trap food particles, plaque, and bacteria. These pits and fissures are difficult to clean with brushing alone and are the most common areas where tooth decay develops.
A dental sealant provides a protective shield over these vulnerable chewing surfaces. During treatment, the dentist applies a thin, clear coating that flows into the natural grooves of the teeth. Once hardened, the sealant forms a smooth, durable barrier that blocks cavity-causing bacteria, acids, and plaque buildup. This added layer of protection helps keep teeth healthy and significantly reduces the risk of decay over time.
Dental sealants are ideal for children with newly erupted molars, teens prone to cavities, and adults with deep grooves or cavity-prone teeth. This simple, painless treatment can help prevent future dental problems and keep your smile healthier for years.
Learn why dental sealants are one of the most effective cavity-prevention treatments for both children and adults. This video demonstrates how sealants are applied and how they protect tooth enamel by preventing bacteria and acids from settling into deep pits and fissures.
Dental sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to block plaque, bacteria, and acids from settling into natural pits and grooves. They help prevent cavities before they form and are recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as an effective preventive treatment for children and adults.
| Patient Type | Why They Are Beneficial |
|---|---|
| Children (ages 6 to 14) | New molars are most cavity-prone when they first erupt |
| Teens with deep grooves | Helps prevent decay during high-risk years |
| Adults without existing fillings | Protects molars with natural deep fissures |
Even with excellent brushing habits, sealants protect vulnerable enamel that toothbrushes cannot reach.
Although brushing and flossing remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, they don’t always get into all of the nooks and crannies of the back teeth. This build-up can cause plaque, tartar, and tooth decay, especially during adolescence.
Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that protects healthy teeth from enamel erosion. Applying sealant creates an invisible barrier on the chewing surface of teeth, “sealing out” the bacteria in your mouth and avoiding a build-up of plaque and tartar.
Sealant is most often used on the rear molars, which have the deepest grooves and the most potential for plaque accumulation. Although sealant treatment is most common with children to protect growing teeth, adults without decay, cavities, or fillings in deep-grooved teeth can also receive sealant.
A dental sealant can cost significantly less than repairing a cavity later.
Sealant is a very effective dental treatment. It can reduce the cavity growth rate by almost 80% after the first year of application and by 60% after four years. Sealants can save patients money in the long run, helping them avoid expensive and invasive dental care treatments like fillings or crowns.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they should be checked for wear or chipping at regular dental appointments. Your dentist in Medford can replace sealants as necessary. Studies show that regular fluoride treatments don’t impact sealants, which also increase protection for teeth against cavities and decay.
The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes per tooth.
There is no pain, no drilling, and no recovery time.
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, and an increasing number now provide coverage for adults.
Typical out-of-pocket costs range from $30 to $60 per tooth, depending on insurance benefits.
If you want to prevent cavities before they start, dental sealants are one of the most effective steps you can take for long-term oral health.
