Smiley Dental Lowell

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Dental Sealants

What are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth. Sealants keep out germs and food that cause cavities and help keep your child’s teeth healthy. Sealants can last for many years. It refers to a thin coating that is applied to the teeth to protect them from cavities. Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that guards against germs and food.

What are dental sealants made of?

Manufacturers use a couple different materials to make sealants, including medical-grade:

Why prevention is important

Sealants are an easy way to protect the back teeth (molars) from cavities. Children 6 to 11 years old without sealants are almost three times more likely to have cavities in their molars than children with sealants. If we put sealants on the nearly 7 million children in low-income households who do not have sealants, we could prevent more than 3 million cavities and save as much as $300 million in dental treatment costs.

How Dental Sealants are Applied

Your dentist applies sealants on the molars in a few quick steps. There is no drilling or scraping of the molars. Your dentist will:

How Do Sealants Work?

Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

How long do sealants last?

Dental sealants can protect your teeth from decay for many years. However, sealants can still get damaged or fall off. To restore the protective shield and avoid cavities, missing or damaged sealants need to be repaired or replaced. For this reason, it is imperative to get regular check-ups where your dentist can check the integrity of your sealants. If they are in questionable condition, your dentist or hygienist may reapply them as necessary.

Who needs dental sealants?

Children and teenagers are popular candidates for dental sealants. But adults without decay or dental fillings in their molars can also benefit from this treatment. In general, anyone who’s prone to tooth decay on their back teeth should consider sealants.

Helpful Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sealants only for kids?

No. Adults with deep grooves and no cavities can benefit too.

No. Sealants are painless and quick.

Typically 3–5 years but can last longer with good care.

Yes, especially if a child is cavity-prone.

No. They protect grooves, but brushing and flossing are still essential.

Get in Touch with Us

If you’re looking for quality dental care in Lowell or surrounding communities such as Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Tyngsborough, or Methuen, contact Smiley Dental Lowell today at 978-999-9000. Our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.