A simple step to help protect growing smiles
Dental sealants at Desert Willow Dental are a quick, comfortable way to help shield the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decay. Molars have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, even when you brush well. A sealant covers those grooves with a thin protective coating, so they are easier to keep clean.
Sealants are especially popular for children and teens as their permanent molars come in. Adults with deep grooves can benefit too. If you live in Glendale or nearby, our team can check your teeth and let you know whether sealants make sense for you or your child.
Why the back teeth need extra protection
Your back molars do a lot of the chewing, and their surfaces are covered in pits and fissures. These tiny grooves are often narrower than a toothbrush bristle, so brushing cannot always reach every corner. Food particles and bacteria can settle in and, over time, lead to cavities.
Sealants fill those grooves with a smooth, thin coating that helps keep food and bacteria out. They work best as one part of a layered approach to prevention. Pairing sealants with regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments gives your teeth several lines of defense. If a cavity does form, we can talk with you about dental fillings to restore the tooth.
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How sealants are applied
Applying sealants is simple and usually takes just a few minutes per tooth. First, we clean and dry the tooth. Next, we apply a gentle conditioning solution so the sealant can bond well. Then the sealant material is painted onto the chewing surface and hardened with a special light.
There is typically no drilling and no need for anesthesia. That makes sealants a comfortable option for children and for adults who feel nervous about dental work. Most visits fit right alongside a routine checkup.
Children are often good candidates once their 6-year and 12-year molars come in. Every mouth is different, so Dr. Russell Crane and Dr. Amanda Pharo will evaluate which teeth would benefit most.
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Keeping sealants in good shape
With normal use, sealants can last several years. Regular dental visits let your dentist check them and reapply if needed. At home, keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Sealants protect chewing surfaces, but not the sides of teeth or the spaces between them, so a full oral hygiene routine still matters.
If a sealant wears down or chips, it can typically be repaired easily. Just let us know if you notice a rough spot or feel a change when you bite.
Benefits of dental sealants
Quick and comfortable
Application takes just a few minutes per tooth with typically no drilling or anesthesia, so it fits easily into a routine dental visit.
Helps prevent cavities
Sealants create a barrier over the grooves of back teeth, reducing the chance that food and bacteria will cause decay.
Good for kids and adults
While most common for children, adults with deep molar grooves or a history of cavities can also benefit from sealants.
Long-lasting protection
With regular checkups and normal wear, dental sealants can continue to protect teeth for several years.