Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Once hardened, they act as a shield to keep out food particles and plaque, dramatically lowering the risk of decay.
These sealants are placed by cleaning and lightly etching the tooth, then painting on the resin and curing it with a blue dental light. No drilling or anesthesia is needed, and the procedure is painless and quick.
Sealants are recommended primarily for children and adolescents once their molars erupt (ages 6–12). They are also effective for adults without existing decay in molars or premolars.