The chewing surfaces of molars have many grooves and depressions, making them difficult to keep clean and prone to cavities. Dental sealants are a material applied to the groovy surfaces that act as a barrier and protect them against decay-causing bacteria and food particles. We recommend dental sealants for all six and twelve year molars, and most insurance companies cover them as part of your child’s preventative care services. When you bring your child in for their cleaning and check-up appointments, our staff will check to see if their molars are present, and if they are, they will discuss applying sealants with you.

The application process is simple and noninvasive. The teeth that will be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and dried, and then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an etching solution that helps the sealants adhere to the teeth. Next the sealant is “painted” onto the tooth and a special curing light bonds and hardens it. Sealants can last for many years, and will be checked and touched up as necessary at your child’s future appointments.