Dental Sealants

Even with regular brushing and flossing, the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars can be difficult to clean completely, leaving them more vulnerable to decay. Dental sealants add a thin protective coating over these areas, creating a smoother surface that's easier to keep clean.

‍

At MacArthur Dental Arts in Irvine, CA, dental sealants are part of our preventive dental care and can benefit children, teens, and adults whose back teeth have deep pits and grooves.

‍

How Dental Sealants Help Prevent Cavities

‍

Cavities form when bacteria in plaque break down sugars and starches from food, producing acids that gradually wear away tooth enamel. The narrow grooves on molars can be difficult for a toothbrush to reach effectively. A sealant flows into these grooves and hardens into a protective barrier, helping keep food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped there.

‍

Who Can Benefit From Sealants?

‍

• Children and teens as their permanent molars and premolars come in
• Adults with deep grooves or a history of cavities on their back teeth
• Patients at higher risk of tooth decay based on diet, oral hygiene, or dental history

‍

Your dentist will evaluate the shape and condition of your teeth to determine whether sealants would be a good fit for your preventive care plan.

‍

What to Expect at Your Appointment

‍

Getting sealants is quick and doesn't require drilling or numbing. We clean and dry the tooth, apply the liquid sealant into the grooves, and use a curing light to harden it in place. Afterward, we'll check your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Are dental sealants painful?

‍

No. Placing a sealant is a non-invasive procedure that typically doesn't require drilling or injections.

‍

How long do dental sealants last?

‍

Sealants can provide protection for several years, though normal wear can eventually cause them to chip or wear down. We'll check your sealants at routine exams and let you know if they need repair or replacement.

‍

Can adults get dental sealants?

‍

Yes. Adults can benefit from sealants when their teeth have deep grooves or other features that make them more prone to decay.

‍

Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?

‍

No. Sealants are meant to complement, not replace, brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular dental exams.

‍

Schedule a Consultation

‍

Contact MacArthur Dental Arts at (949) 251-8544 to find out if dental sealants are right for you or your child.