The application of dental sealants is entirely painless and straightforward. The whole process only takes a couple of minutes per tooth and it is so easy that our patients are usually surprised by how quickly it is done! We’ve outlined the steps below so you know what expect:

• The first step is that the dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth that the dental sealants will be applied to.
• Then, each tooth is dried entirely using cotton or an absorbent material that is put around the tooth to ensure that the area is kept dry.
• Sometimes a dentist will put a type of “etching” solution on the surfaces of the teeth that are used for chewing. This will help in “roughening them up” and helps the sealant bond with the teeth. Depending on the sealant that the dentist is going to apply, this step may not be necessary.
• The teeth are then rinsed and dried as long as step 3 was completed.
• After the teeth are thoroughly dry, the sealant is applied and painted onto the tooth’s enamel. This helps in bonding directly to the tooth, and it hardens it. Sometimes a dentist will use a specific light that aids in the sealant hardening faster.

Do kids or adults mind getting dental sealants?
Typically, no. The process is easy, fast, and comfortable. There is no drilling or invasive preparation and the sealant itself does not cause any irritation or smell funny. It is truly an easy way to prevent cavities.

What does it feel like after they are placed?
We have found that our patients cannot even notice them. They do not look like anything because they are completely clear. If you run your tongue along your teeth, you may be able to feel a slight difference but they are smooth and will not feel uncomfortable in any way.

Do dental sealants really make a difference?
Yes, they do. By preventing food and plaque from becoming stuck in your teeth, the risk for developing cavities is significantly reduced. As a result, you and your family may experience less tooth decay, fewer cavities and the need for costly dental restorations down the road.

How often do they need to be replaced?
We have found that sealants typically last for 5-10 years. They are incredibly effective but we will want to monitor them during regular dental examinations. Naturally, there are certain things like chewing on pencils or biting down on ice that can wear down the dental sealant so it is important to make safe and healthy choices regarding what is put in the mouth. If we see that they are wearing down, we may recommend that they are replaced so that you, or your children, can continue to benefit from this layer of protection.