Reach the narrow grooves
The chewing surfaces of molars have recesses that a toothbrush may not clean easily. Sealants are designed to protect these particular areas from the decay process.
General Dentistry / Treatment guide
Dental Sealants
Sealants protect the small grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. A thin coating flows into these areas and hardens, creating a barrier where food and bacteria can otherwise collect.
Explore your options with our Atlas Dental team. Ask who would provide your treatment and whether a specialist referral is needed.
Let’s talk about your options See what care can involveA closer lookTreatment image
A closer look at tooth grooves
Material covering the chewing grooves illustrates the areas that preventive sealants are designed to protect.
- 01Chewing grooves
- 02Selected coverage
- 03Regular checks
Sealants protect selected surface grooves. A tooth with a cavity needs a separate assessment and may require a filling.
Understanding your care
Protection focused on chewing surfaces
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Assess each tooth first
The tooth needs to be examined before a sealant is recommended. Its condition, eruption, and ability to stay dry during placement all affect the decision.
Keep prevention working together
A sealant protects the area it covers, while fluoride and daily cleaning support other surfaces. The coating should also be reviewed during future dental examinations.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Check the surface
The dentist assesses the chewing surface and whether a sealant is appropriate. A tooth with a cavity may need a different type of treatment.
Prepare the grooves
The surface is cleaned and prepared for the chosen material. Keeping the area suitably dry helps the sealant attach to the tooth as intended.
Place the coating
The sealant is applied into the grooves and hardened according to the product. The clinician checks the surface and how the teeth meet afterward.
Review its condition
At later visits, the team checks whether the sealant is still intact. Areas that have worn or been lost may need repair or replacement.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
Sealants are a preventive option for selected teeth, not a substitute for diagnosing or restoring a cavity. They can wear or become partially lost, so periodic review matters. Suitability depends on the tooth surface and decay risk. Daily cleaning and other preventive measures are still needed for the rest of the mouth.
Are sealants only for children?
Children often benefit as permanent molars appear, but adults with suitable tooth surfaces may also be considered. Your dentist evaluates the tooth and its risk rather than using age alone.
Does a sealant cover the whole tooth?
No. A sealant generally protects selected pits and grooves on the chewing surface. The sides, areas between teeth, and gumline still need their usual cleaning and prevention.
Do sealants stay there forever?
They can provide protection for years, but their condition needs review. The dentist checks for wear or missing material and can recommend repair when an area is no longer sealed.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
Let’s talk about your optionsOur team will contact you to confirm your visit.
About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Atlas Dental patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.