Dental sealants
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating painted over the deep grooves on the chewing surface of a back tooth. Food and bacteria collect in these grooves and a toothbrush cannot reach the bottom of them. A sealant smooths the surface so the tooth is easier to keep clean. It is not drilled, and it usually takes a few minutes per tooth.
Step by step
- 1Examine the tooth
The dentist checks that the tooth has come through enough to be kept dry and looks for any cavity. An X-ray is taken only if it is needed.
- 2Clean and dry
The tooth is cleaned with a small brush, rinsed and dried. A cotton roll keeps saliva away so the sealant can stick.
- 3Prepare the surface
A mild conditioning gel is placed on the chewing surface for a short time, then rinsed off and the tooth is dried again.
- 4Paint on the sealant
The sealant is brushed into the grooves as a thin liquid, then hardened with a blue light.
- 5Check the bite
Your child bites together so any high spot can be smoothed. The dentist checks that the sealant is firmly in place.
- A child whose permanent back molars have just come through, often around age 6 and again around age 12 (general guidance)
- Back teeth with deep, narrow grooves that trap food
- A child who has had cavities before, or who snacks often
- A child whose brushing is still not thorough at the back of the mouth
There is no numbness, so your child can usually eat and drink straight away. The sealant may feel slightly thick on the tongue for a day or two. Your child should avoid very sticky sweets that could pull at the edge of a new sealant. Brushing continues as normal, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Sealants are a low-risk, non-invasive treatment. They can wear or chip, most often after several years, so they are checked at each check-up and repaired or replaced if needed. A sealant does not replace brushing, fluoride or a sensible diet, and it protects only the tooth surface it covers. If a cavity is already present, a filling may be advised instead. Some children find it hard to keep still and keep the mouth open, so the visit may be done in shorter steps.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Does a sealant hurt?
No drilling or injection is used, so there is usually nothing to feel except the tooth being dried and some pressure. The dentist explains each step in simple words and goes at your child's pace.
At what age are sealants usually placed?
General guidance is soon after the permanent molars come through, around age 6 for the first molars and around 12 for the second molars. Your dentist will advise on the right time for your child.
How long does a sealant last?
Many sealants last several years, often 5 years or more, but this varies with the child and the tooth. They are checked at each check-up and repaired if part of the sealant has worn away.
Do milk teeth need sealants too?
Sometimes. A milk molar with deep grooves may be sealed if the dentist thinks it is at risk of decay. Most sealants are placed on permanent molars.
Is a sealant enough to prevent cavities?
It helps a great deal on the chewing surface, but cavities can still form between teeth or around the gums. Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, fewer sugary snacks and regular check-ups are still needed.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.