Sealants
Prevent Cavities with Dental Sealants
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, you can’t always reach every tiny groove in the back teeth. That’s where dental sealants come in. At The Dental Hub in Columbus, OH, we use this simple, painless preventive treatment to help protect your molars and premolars–especially in children and teens who are more prone to cavities.
Whether we’re sealing a child’s first permanent molars or helping an adult patient reduce their risk of decay, we believe in proactive dental care that keeps your smile strong for the long haul.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of resin applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth–typically molars and premolars. These teeth have natural grooves and pits that are especially prone to trapping food particles and plaque, making them a common site for dental caries (cavities).
Sealants form a physical barrier over these areas, helping to shield the tooth surface from decay-causing bacteria. When applied early, sealants can significantly reduce the chance of needing fillings in the long run, especially when paired with fluoride treatment and good oral hygiene habits.
When Are Sealants Recommended?
At The Dental Hub, our dentists typically recommend dental sealants when a child’s first permanent molars erupt—around age 6—and again when the second molars come in around age 12. However, adults can benefit too, especially if they have deep grooves or a history of tooth decay.
We often apply fissure sealants to:
- Permanent molars and premolars in children and teens
- Baby teeth with deep grooves that are prone to decay
- Adults with a high risk of decay or deep chewing surfaces
- Patients with early signs of decay, before a filling is needed
What Happens During a Dental Sealant Procedure
Getting dental sealants is a quick, painless process–usually completed in a single visit. Sealants are most effective when applied to healthy, cavity-free teeth, and the entire procedure is simple and stress-free.
Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparation
One of our skilled dental hygienists will thoroughly clean the tooth surface to remove any plaque, food particles, or debris. This ensures the sealant material bonds properly to the tooth enamel.
Step 2: Tooth Isolation
We’ll keep the tooth dry using cotton rolls or a small dental dam. Moisture can interfere with bonding, so this step is essential for a successful seal.
Step 3: Acid Etching
A mild acid etching gel is applied to roughen the enamel surfaces of the teeth slightly, creating a better grip for the sealant. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed away.
Step 4: Sealant Application
The tooth-colored resin sealant is carefully painted onto the etched tooth surface, flowing into the natural grooves and pits of the molars or premolars.
Step 5: Curing
We use a special blue light to quickly harden the sealant. This step only takes a few seconds and ensures the material is strong enough to stand up to brushing, chewing, and daily wear.
Step 6: Bite Check and Adjustments
Before leaving, we’ll check your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural. Any minor adjustments can be made at this time.
Step 7: Final Rinse
After one final rinse and dry, you’re good to go! No numbing or drilling is needed, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.
Protecting Smiles by Preventing Decay
Dental sealants offer powerful protection by creating a physical barrier that helps prevent cavities before they start. It’s a simple, affordable investment that can help you avoid more complex and costly treatments down the road.
Our Columbus area dental offices are committed to preventive services like these to optimize your oral health. Call us to schedule an appointment.