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Dental sealants are a quick, painless way to protect back teeth from cavities, especially for children and teens. At Sigma Dental Clinic on W Foster Ave in Chicago, Dr. Sepi Dashti applies sealants during a regular visit, with no drilling and no numbing.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin, tooth-colored coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves that trap food and bacteria and are hard to clean with a toothbrush. A sealant fills in those grooves and acts as a barrier against plaque and decay.
Benefits of dental sealants
- Cavity protection: sealants can lower the risk of decay in molars by up to 80% in the first years after they are placed.
- Quick and painless: no drilling, no shots, and each tooth takes only a few minutes.
- Long-lasting: with good care, sealants can last for many years and are checked at every visit.
- Good for kids and adults: especially helpful for children, but adults with deep grooves and no fillings can benefit too.
Who should get sealants?
- Children, as soon as their permanent molars come in (usually around age 6 and again around age 12)
- Teens who are prone to cavities
- Adults with deep grooves or a higher risk of decay
How sealants are placed
- Clean: the tooth is cleaned and dried.
- Prepare: a mild solution is applied so the sealant bonds to the tooth.
- Apply: the sealant is painted into the grooves.
- Cure: a special light hardens it in seconds. Your child can eat normally right after.
How to care for sealants
Keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily, come in for regular cleanings and checkups, and avoid chewing ice, pens, or other hard objects. We check your sealants at each visit and touch them up if needed.
Dental sealant FAQs
At what age should my child get sealants?
Most children get sealants on their first permanent molars around age 6 and on their second molars around age 12. Dr. Sepi will check your child’s teeth at each visit and let you know when they are ready.
Do sealants hurt?
No. Placing sealants needs no drilling and no numbing. Most kids find it easier than a cleaning.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants often last several years, and many last up to 10 years. We check them at every checkup and repair or replace them if they wear down.
Does insurance cover sealants?
Many dental plans, including Medicaid for children, cover sealants on permanent molars for kids and teens. Coverage depends on your plan, so our team can check your benefits when you call. See the insurance plans we accept.
Can adults get sealants?
Yes. Adults with deep grooves on healthy back teeth that have no fillings can benefit from sealants. Ask us at your next visit.
Book a sealant visit
Preventing a cavity is easier and less expensive than treating one. Sealants can be placed during your child’s regular visit. Learn more about kids dentistry at Sigma Dental Clinic, call (773) 506-2033, or book online.
