At a glance
- The chewing surfaces of back teeth, particularly molars, contain natural grooves and pits that are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to clean effectively, making them especially prone to trapping food and bacteria.
- Applying sealants is quick, painless and does not require anaesthesia or drilling.
- Sealants have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of decay on treated chewing surfaces, complementing the protection provided by fluoride, which works especially well on the smoother surfaces of teeth.
What Are Pit and Fissure Sealants
The chewing surfaces of back teeth, particularly molars, contain natural grooves and pits that are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to clean effectively, making them especially prone to trapping food and bacteria. Sealants are a thin protective coating applied into these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is far easier to keep clean and resistant to decay.
Sealants are most commonly applied to permanent molars shortly after they erupt, typically between the ages of six and twelve, when children may not yet have fully mastered effective brushing technique for these harder-to-reach back teeth.
The Application Process
Applying sealants is quick, painless and does not require anaesthesia or drilling. The tooth surface is first cleaned and dried thoroughly, a mild conditioning gel is applied briefly to help the sealant bond effectively, and then the sealant material is painted into the grooves and hardened using a curing light.
The entire process for one tooth typically takes just a few minutes, making it well tolerated even by younger, anxious children. Many parents are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the procedure is compared with their expectations.
Benefits and Longevity
Sealants have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of decay on treated chewing surfaces, complementing the protection provided by fluoride, which works especially well on the smoother surfaces of teeth. Together, sealants and fluoride address the two areas of the tooth most vulnerable to decay from different angles.
With proper care, sealants can last several years, though they should be checked at routine dental visits since they can occasionally wear down or partially chip, particularly in children who grind their teeth. Reapplication is simple and quick if needed, making sealants a low-effort, high-value preventive measure.
Questions patients ask us
- At what age should children get sealants?
- Sealants are typically most beneficial shortly after permanent molars erupt, usually between the ages of six and twelve, though they can be placed on any tooth with deep grooves at higher risk of decay, including in some adults.
- Do sealants hurt when they are applied?
- No, sealant application is completely painless and does not require any drilling or anaesthesia, making it a comfortable, quick procedure that most children tolerate very well, even those who are anxious about dental visits.
- How long do dental sealants last?
- Sealants can last several years with proper care, though their durability varies based on individual chewing habits and grinding tendencies. We check the condition of sealants at routine visits and can reapply them easily if they show signs of wear.
- Are sealants only for children?
- While most commonly placed in children shortly after their permanent molars erupt, sealants can also benefit adults with deep grooves in their back teeth who are at elevated risk of decay in those specific areas.
Sources and further reading
Guidance from professional and public health bodies. Clinical decisions here are made on your own examination and radiographs.
- 1.EFP clinical practice guidelines for periodontitis — European Federation of Periodontology
- 2.Classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases — American Academy of Periodontology
- 3.Prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases in practice — Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme
- 4.Oral health — fact sheet and global status report — World Health Organization
- 5.Policy statements and oral health definitions — FDI World Dental Federation
- 6.Dental health — conditions, treatments and patient guidance — NHS (UK)
- 7.Systematic reviews of oral and dental interventions — Cochrane Oral Health
- 8.Regulatory framework and dental education standards in India — Dental Council of India
When to see us
Get examined without waiting if any of the following applies to you:
- Gums that bleed without provocation, or bleeding that has become heavier
- Teeth that feel loose, are drifting, or gaps that are opening up
- Persistent bad breath or taste, gum abscesses, or pus on pressing the gum
Get a written plan and cost before you commit
If this is what you are dealing with, the next step is a consultation with radiographs — gums & prevention cases are seen by the specialist who handles that field. You get a written plan and staged cost before anything begins.
reception@dramitsharmahospital.comThis article is general education and does not replace an in-person examination, radiographs or a diagnosis by a qualified dentist.
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