Dental sealants: what to expect and FAQs

What are dental sealants?

The ADA says a sealant is a thin, protective coating that bonds to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and can help prevent cavities, but does not replace brushing and flossing. The CDC describes a protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth that acts as a barrier against cavities. The grooves in molars are hard to clean, which is why they decay, and the sealant fills them in, which is general explanation and flagged.

What are sealants made of?

The ADA says plastic or other dental materials. It says there is a tiny amount of bisphenol A (BPA) in some, not enough to cause harm. The CDC page does not discuss safety or materials. Our sources do not name the exact resins, so ask your dentist what material they use.

Who gets sealants?

The ADA says children and adults can benefit, and that earlier is better: first molars come in around age 6 and second molars around age 12. The CDC says they go on baby and adult teeth, starting around age 2 and continuing into adulthood, and that school programs serve children in lower-income communities or those at higher risk of cavities. Dentists, dental hygienists or other qualified professionals can apply them depending on state rules, in offices or in community settings such as schools.

How are sealants put on?

The ADA says the dentist cleans and dries the tooth, applies an acidic gel for a few seconds to roughen the surface, rinses and dries it, places the sealant in the tooth's grooves and hardens it with a special blue light. The CDC says a dental professional dries the tooth, applies the sealant material and then hardens it with a light or lets it set on its own, and that the process is quick.

How long does it take for sealants to dry?

The sources give no set drying or curing times beyond the few seconds the ADA gives for the acidic gel. The sealant is hardened with a blue light during the appointment, so it is set when you leave, which follows from the ADA's description and is flagged. Ask your dentist if you have questions about a particular product.

Do sealants hurt?

The ADA says it is a quick and painless process. Because the tooth is not drilled, no numbing is needed in the usual case, which is general knowledge and flagged. Tell the dentist if anything feels uncomfortable.

Can you eat after sealants?

The CDC says the process is quick and children can eat and drink normally afterwards. The ADA page does not address eating. If your dentist gives different instructions, follow them. Avoid very hard and sticky food that could lift a sealant, which is general advice and flagged.

How long do sealants last?

The ADA says sealants often last several years before they need reapplying, and that dentists check them at regular visits. The CDC says they can last for many years without giving a range. Practice pages give figures, but we have not cited them.

Are sealants worth it?

The ADA says sealants reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80 percent, and quotes the CDC saying school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. The CDC says sealants applied soon after the adult molars come in can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities for 2 years and protect against 50 percent of cavities for up to 4 years. The ADA says some dental plans cover sealants, so check with your benefit provider. Whether they are worth it for you depends on your risk of cavities, and your dentist can advise.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is my child or am I at risk of cavities in the back teeth?
• Which teeth should be sealed?
• What material do you use?
• How will you check the sealants over time?
• Does my insurance cover sealants?

Frequently asked questions