Dental Sealants In Lakeland, FL

The back teeth — molars and premolars — have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces that are difficult to clean thoroughly, even with careful brushing. These grooves are where the vast majority of cavities form, and they develop because plaque and food particles become trapped in areas that a toothbrush cannot fully reach. Dental sealants provide a simple, effective solution by sealing those grooves off before decay can take hold.

At Family Dentistry of Lakeland, we apply dental sealants as part of our preventive care services for patients throughout Lakeland, FL and Polk County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities over two years in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur — yet less than half of children and adolescents currently have sealants applied. Dr. Maneesha Chigurupati and our team recommend sealants as a cost-effective, entirely non-invasive way to protect these vulnerable surfaces.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating made from a tooth-colored resin material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The liquid sealant flows into the grooves and pits of the tooth, then hardens under a curing light to form a smooth, sealed surface that prevents food and bacteria from settling into those crevices.

The application is entirely painless and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. The process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth and can be completed during a routine preventive appointment.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Children are the primary candidates for sealants, and the optimal timing is soon after the permanent molars erupt — typically between ages 6 and 12. Sealants applied to newly erupted molars protect them during the years when children’s brushing habits are still developing and the risk of cavities is highest.

Teenagers and adults who have deep grooves in their back teeth and no existing fillings or decay in those areas can also benefit from sealants. Adults aged 20 to 34, according to the CDC, have more untreated cavities in their back teeth than any other age group, making sealants a relevant preventive option across a wider age range than many patients realize.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can provide protection for several years before they need to be checked or reapplied. Our team evaluates existing sealants at every preventive visit to confirm they are intact and still providing full coverage. If a sealant chips or wears in a specific area, it can typically be touched up or replaced without difficulty. For children who may also benefit from fluoride protection, sealants work well alongside pediatric fluoride treatments as part of a complete preventive plan at every children’s cleaning and exam visit.