Preventive & Family
Dental Sealants
A thin protective coating that shields the grooves of back teeth from decay.
The chewing surfaces of your back teeth have deep grooves that are notoriously hard to keep clean, even with careful brushing. Dental sealants fill in those grooves with a thin protective coating, sealing out the food particles and bacteria that cause cavities.
Sealants are quick, painless to apply, and especially valuable for children and teens as their permanent molars come in.
How sealants protect teeth
The chewing surfaces of molars and premolars have deep grooves where food and bacteria collect and where brushing can't easily reach. A sealant is a thin coating that's painted over those grooves and hardened, creating a smooth, protective surface that's much easier to keep clean.
Who benefits most
Sealants are most commonly placed on children's and teens' permanent molars as they come in, since those teeth are prone to cavities. But adults with deep grooves and no existing fillings can benefit too. We'll check whether sealants make sense for you or your child at an exam.
What the appointment is like
Applying a sealant is quick and comfortable, with no drilling and no anesthesia needed. We clean and dry the tooth, apply the sealant, and harden it with a curing light. It's usually easy even for younger children.
Sealants are one part of prevention
A sealant protects the chewing surface, but it doesn't replace brushing, flossing, or a cavity-conscious diet. It works best together with good home care and regular exams.
Keeping sealants working
Sealants can last several years with normal wear. We check them at your regular exams and can repair or reapply one if it chips or wears away.
Sealants in Altamonte Springs
We welcome patients from Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Park, Maitland, and Casselberry.
Exams and cleanings →Longwood →Winter Park →Maitland →Casselberry →
Benefits
Why patients choose this
- Significantly reduces cavity risk in treated teeth
- Quick, painless, no drilling or anesthesia required
- Especially effective for kids' new permanent molars
- Can last several years with normal wear
Is This Right For You?
Signs to look for
- New permanent molars have recently erupted
- Deep grooves on chewing surfaces that are hard to clean
- A history of cavities on back teeth
- You want extra protection between regular checkups
What to Expect
Your visit, step by step
Cleaning and drying the tooth surface
Applying the sealant material into the grooves
Curing the sealant with a special light
A quick bite check to confirm comfort
Questions
Common questions about dental sealants
Sealants are most common for children and teens, but adults without existing fillings in their molars can benefit too.
Sealants typically last several years and are checked at routine visits, with reapplication if they wear down.
No. Sealants are painless and don't require drilling or numbing.
No. They protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, but you still need to brush, floss, and see us regularly.
Yes, if they have deep grooves and no existing fillings in those teeth. We'll let you know if you're a good candidate.
We check sealants at your regular visits and can reapply or repair them if needed.