Sealants in Plainville, MA

General Dentistry

A thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help keep out decay.

The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that toothbrush bristles struggle to reach. A sealant smooths and protects those grooves so food and bacteria have fewer places to hide.

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Dentist with a smiling young girl seated in a dental chair

What’s included

  • Thin coating that seals deep grooves in back teeth
  • Quick, painless and no numbing needed
  • Commonly placed for children and teens
  • Available for adults with decay-prone teeth
  • Checked at regular visits and repaired if worn

About Sealants

When we apply a dental sealant, we paint a plastic coating on top of your teeth. This makes your teeth smooth getting rid of the rough edges, depressions, and grooves that are commonly found on teeth. It is essentially a protective coating against tooth decay and cavities. The most common place to paint sealants is on back teeth since they are often irregular. They can also be very hard to reach, even if you brush your teeth regularly. We use it more on children though we do perform sealants on adults too!

Why Sealants Help

Most cavities in children and teens begin in the pits and grooves of the back teeth. Those grooves can be narrower than a single toothbrush bristle, so even careful brushers can miss them. A sealant fills and covers those grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean. Sealing healthy teeth is a simple way to help prevent decay before it starts. Sealants work alongside, not instead of, brushing, flossing and regular checkups.

What to Expect

Placing a sealant is quick and does not require numbing. The tooth is cleaned and dried, a gentle solution prepares the surface, and the sealant is painted into the grooves and hardened with a curing light. You can eat and drink normally right afterward. Sealants can last several years. We check them at regular visits and can touch them up or replace them if they wear or chip.

Common Questions

Who should get sealants?
Sealants are most often placed on children's permanent molars soon after they come in, but adults with deep grooves or a history of cavities can benefit too.
Does getting a sealant hurt?
No. There is no drilling or numbing for a standard sealant; it is painted on and hardened with a light.
How long do sealants last?
They can last several years with normal chewing. We check them at checkups and repair them when needed.
Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
Sealants are meant for healthy tooth surfaces. If decay is present, it typically needs to be treated first, usually with a filling.
Will my child still need to brush?
Yes. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but the sides of teeth and the spaces between them still need daily brushing and flossing.

Terms You May Hear

Dental Sealant
A thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent decay.
Pits and Fissures
The natural grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.
Molars
The large, flat back teeth used for grinding food.

Related Services

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Ask about sealants for your child or yourself. Call (508) 695-7674 to schedule.

Book Online(508) 695-7674