What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a simple yet powerful part of Marietta dental care, especially for families in East Cobb County. These thin, liquid coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (premolars and molars). Once in place, your dentist cures and hardens the sealant material to form a strong, protective shield against harmful, cavity-causing bacteria.

What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?

Dental sealants are made from safe, tooth-colored materials that blend in naturally with your smile. Once applied, they create a smooth, protective layer that helps keep out food, bacteria, and plaque.

What Is the Purpose of Sealants?

The primary purpose of dental sealants is to protect teeth from disease-causing bacteria, making them an important part of preventative dentistry. The deep grooves in your back teeth can easily trap food and bacteria, which may lead to tooth decay over time. By coating these areas, sealants prevent bacteria from reaching the enamel and causing cavities.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are beneficial for both children and adults. They are particularly recommended for:

  • Children and Teenagers: Ideal for sealing permanent molars and premolars as soon as they come in, protecting teeth during the cavity-prone years (ages 6 through 14).
  • Adults: Those without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants to prevent future cavities.
  • Children with Baby Teeth: In some cases, sealants may also be applied to baby teeth with deep grooves, helping them stay healthy and hold space for permanent teeth.

How Common Are Sealants in Marietta?

Sealants are among the most common preventive dentistry treatments. Sealants are a common part of preventive dentistry — nearly half of U.S. children and teens already have them on their permanent teeth.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

No special preparation is needed — sealants can be placed during a routine dental visit. After your teeth are cleaned and dried, your dentist gently paints the sealant onto the chewing surfaces. A special light hardens the coating within seconds, creating a strong, long-lasting shield against cavities. The process is simple, quick, and completely comfortable.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

Sealants shield vulnerable areas from cavities by blocking bacteria, plaque, and food particles. The process is quick, pain-free, and offers long-lasting protection — especially for the hard-to-reach grooves in your back teeth.

Prevent Tooth Decay In Marietta

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry at (770) 578-1331 today. We proudly serve families throughout Marietta with quality preventive care to keep every smile healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sealants can protect teeth for many years, often up to a decade with proper oral care. During routine checkups, your dentist will check their condition and reapply if needed.
Yes. Sealants are made from safe, biocompatible materials and have been used for decades. They do not harm your teeth, gums, or overall health.

No. Sealants are an added layer of protection, but daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are still essential to prevent tooth decay.

Not at all. Applying sealants is quick, painless, and doesn’t require drilling or anesthesia. Most patients describe it as similar to having nail polish applied to a tooth.

Sealants cover and shield the tooth’s chewing surface, while fluoride strengthens enamel across all teeth. Together, they provide powerful cavity protection.