Dental Sealants in Nepean

Why Your Back Teeth Need Extra Protection

The chewing surfaces of molars and premolars are naturally vulnerable to cavities. These back teeth have deep grooves and pits that trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean with a toothbrush. Cavities on back teeth account for roughly 80% of all cavities in children and teens.

Dental sealants provide a simple solution: a thin, protective plastic coating that seals the grooves and pits, preventing food and bacteria from accumulating in these difficult-to-clean areas.

How Sealants Work

Dental sealants are made of a clear or slightly opaque plastic material that bonds directly to the chewing surface of molars. The sealant physically blocks plaque and food debris from entering the pits and grooves, reducing the cavity risk on those surfaces by approximately 80%. Importantly, sealants do not prevent cavities on the smooth sides of teeth, so regular brushing and flossing remain essential.

Who Benefits From Sealants

Sealants are most beneficial for children and teenagers, whose grooves are typically deeper and whose oral hygiene is still developing. However, adults without cavities on their back teeth can also benefit from sealants. We assess each patient's cavity risk and make personalized recommendations.

When To Apply Sealants

Sealants are typically applied to permanent molars as soon as they erupt: - First molars erupt around age 6 - Second molars erupt around age 12 Sealants can be applied to premolars as well if they have deep grooves.

The Sealant Application Process

Applying sealants is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or anesthesia. We clean the tooth thoroughly, apply a mild etching solution to help the sealant bond, rinse and dry the tooth, then apply the sealant material. A special blue light hardens the sealant in seconds. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth.

How Long Sealants Last

Sealants typically last 5–10 years, though some last longer. We monitor them at each checkup and reapply sealant to areas that show wear or loss. Even if a sealant wears away, your child's oral hygiene has improved during the years the sealant was protecting them, reducing overall cavity risk.

Clinical Evidence

The American Dental Association and the CDC strongly recommend sealants as a cavity prevention strategy. Research consistently shows that children with sealants have significantly fewer cavities on sealed surfaces than those without sealants.