Short answer: A dental sealant is a thin protective coating painted into the deep grooves on the chewing surface of molars and hardened with light. It requires no drilling or anesthesia and takes a few minutes per tooth. It is usually recommended after the permanent molars come in, around ages 6–7 and 11–13. When checked regularly, it can provide protection for several years; it can also be applied in suitable adults.
Most tooth decay in children starts in the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars. Because these areas can be narrower than even the bristles of a toothbrush, they cannot be fully cleaned even with very careful brushing. A dental sealant is a preventive dental procedure, requiring no drilling or cutting, in which a flowable protective material is painted into these grooves to stop decay-causing bacteria and food debris from settling there. In this article we explain which teeth sealants are applied to and at what age, how the procedure is done and how long sealants last.
What is a dental sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin, flowable protective coating applied to the natural grooves, called fissures, on the chewing surfaces of molars. After it is painted on the tooth surface it hardens, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface over the grooves.
The materials used generally fall into two groups: resin-based sealants and glass ionomer-based sealants. Resin-based sealants tend to stay in place longer. Glass ionomer sealants are less affected by moisture and can release fluoride, so they may be preferred for newly erupting teeth that are hard to keep fully dry. The dentist decides which material to use, taking into account the condition of the tooth and how cooperative the child is.
A sealant is not a filling. A filling is placed to fill the cavity left after decay is removed, whereas a sealant aims to protect a healthy tooth before decay starts. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend sealants as an effective method of preventing decay in suitable children.
Which teeth are they applied to, and at what age?
Sealants are mostly applied to permanent molars shortly after these teeth come in. The first permanent molars usually erupt around ages 6–7, and the second permanent molars between ages 11 and 13. The first years after these teeth erupt are when the enamel has not yet fully matured and the teeth are most vulnerable to decay.
Candidate teeth for sealants include:
- First and second permanent molars
- Premolars with deep grooves
- In some cases, deep pits on the inner surface of the upper front teeth
- Baby molars in children at high risk of decay
Not every tooth or every child needs a sealant. For a child with shallow grooves, low decay risk and good oral hygiene, the dentist may find regular monitoring sufficient. Sealants are recommended more often for children who have had cavities before, frequently eat sugary foods or have difficulty brushing. The decision is based on examining the tooth and assessing the child's individual decay risk.
How is a dental sealant applied?
Applying a sealant is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes per tooth and requires no anesthesia or drilling. Thanks to this, most children tolerate it easily and have a positive experience with the dentist.
- Cleaning: The tooth surface is cleaned of plaque and debris.
- Isolation: The tooth is kept dry with cotton rolls or special devices to protect it from saliva. This step is critical for the sealant to adhere.
- Surface preparation: For resin sealants, a special acidic gel is applied briefly to the chewing surface, then rinsed off and dried. This creates microscopic roughness in the enamel that allows the sealant to adhere.
- Applying the sealant: The flowable material is spread into the grooves in a thin layer.
- Curing: The resin sealant is hardened with a special light in a few seconds.
- Check: The dentist checks that the sealant does not interfere with the bite and is fully bonded.
The child can eat and drink right after the procedure. The sealant may create a slight feeling of thickness on the tooth; this feeling usually disappears within a few days.
How long do dental sealants last?
When applied correctly and checked regularly, sealants can provide protection for several years in most cases, and close to ten years in some studies. However, durability varies from person to person, and chewing forces, eating habits and the type of material all affect how long they last.
Over time a sealant may wear down partially or a piece may come off. That is why the condition of the sealant is examined at dental check-ups every six months; missing parts can easily be repaired or replaced. Since plaque can build up at the edge of a partially detached sealant, it is important not to skip check-up appointments.
There are also things you can do at home to extend the life of a sealant. Not biting hard objects such as ice, hard candy and pens, telling the dentist if you suspect your child grinds their teeth at night and keeping up with check-up appointments all help the protective layer stay in place longer. At check-ups, the dentist also looks for staining or gaps at the edges of the sealant.
Sealants protect only the grooves on the chewing surface; they do not prevent decay that starts on the side surfaces of the teeth. That is why brushing, flossing, fluoride toothpaste and a balanced diet always remain important.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are protective materials that have been used for decades, have been scientifically studied and are considered safe. Questions occasionally arise about bisphenol A (BPA), which resin materials may contain. Measurements show that exposure from sealant application is far below the amount people take in from everyday sources such as food packaging and disappears within a short time. Parents can discuss any questions about this with the dentist during the examination.
Are sealants used in adults?
Sealants are most commonly applied in children and teenagers, but they can also be chosen for adults in suitable cases. In adults, the main deciding factor is not age but the structure of the tooth and the person's risk of decay.
Situations in which sealants may be considered for adults include:
- Molars with no decay but very deep grooves
- People at increased risk of decay due to dry mouth
- Back teeth that become harder to clean during orthodontic treatment
- People who have had frequent cavities in the past and are at high risk of new decay
If there is early enamel demineralization in the grooves that has not yet formed a cavity, a sealant may in some cases help slow its progression. Which teeth are suitable candidates is determined by a clinical examination and, if needed, X-rays.
Common questions about dental sealants
The topics parents ask about most often are whether the procedure is uncomfortable, whether the color of the sealant shows and whether brushing habits change after the application. Sealants can be clear, white or slightly tinted, and because they sit on the chewing surface of the tooth, they are usually not visible when talking or smiling. Brushing continues exactly as before after the application. For other common questions, you can check our frequently asked questions page.
When should you see a dentist in Ankara about sealants?
When your child's permanent molars start to appear in the mouth, usually around ages 6–7, it is a good time to have a dental assessment for preventive treatments. At our polyclinic in Çankaya, your child's teeth are examined, their decay risk is assessed and we explain whether sealants are needed; you can use our contact details to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a dental sealant hurt?
Because sealants are applied without drilling or cutting the tooth, no anesthesia is needed. Most children tolerate the procedure easily. A slight feeling of thickness on the tooth may last for a short time after the application.
Can a cavity form under or around a sealant?
Sealants protect only the grooves on the chewing surface; decay can still develop on the side surfaces of the teeth. Also, if the sealant partially comes off, plaque can build up at its edge. That is why regular brushing, flossing and check-ups every six months are important.
Can sealants be applied to baby teeth?
Sealants can also be applied to baby molars in some children at high risk of decay. However, they are most often used on permanent molars. The decision is based on the child's examination and decay risk assessment.
How often do sealants need to be replaced?
The condition of the sealant is checked at every check-up appointment. Worn or detached parts are repaired or replaced when necessary. There is no fixed replacement schedule; the need is determined during the examination.
