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What are Dental Sealants?

Posted on 9/15/2025 by Stansell Dentistry Associates

A dentist curing a dental sealant on an adult female patient's teeth with a blue light, while the patient wears red protective glasses.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Dental sealants act as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from entering these grooves and pits. They are a safe, effective, and affordable way to protect your teeth from cavities.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

•	Prevention: Sealants are a key part of preventive dentistry. They can help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
•	Protection: Sealants provide a long-lasting barrier against decay-causing bacteria and food particles.
•	Durability: Sealants can last for several years with proper oral care.
•	Cost-effective: Sealants are a relatively inexpensive way to protect your teeth.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are recommended for children and teenagers, especially those who are at high risk for developing cavities. This includes children who:

•	Have deep grooves and pits in their teeth
•	Have poor oral hygiene habits
•	Eat a lot of sugary foods and drinks
•	Don't have access to fluoride

How are Dental Sealants Applied?

Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure.

1~	Your dentist will first clean and dry your teeth.
2~	A gel is then applied to roughen the surface of the teeth.
3~	The sealant is then painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
4~	Finally, the sealant is hardened using a special light.

The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth.

How to Care for Dental Sealants

After you get dental sealants, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. This includes:

•	Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
•	Flossing daily
•	Eating a healthy diet
•	Visiting your dentist for regular checkups

With proper care, dental sealants can help you keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and affordable way to protect your teeth from cavities. If you are considering getting dental sealants for yourself or your child, talk to your dentist today. They can help you decide if sealants are right for you.

Locations & Hours

Brier Creek

9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204
Raleigh, NC 27617-4879

Phone: 984-477-0177
Fax: 919-249-1375

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

North Raleigh

1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107
Raleigh, NC 27615

Phone: 984-206-4242
Fax: 919-249-2145

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Knightdale

1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102
Knightdale, NC 27545

Phone: 984-733-0330
Fax: 919-415-1849

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Dentist Raleigh, NC • About Stansell Dentistry Associates
Providing family dentistry for adults and children of all ages, utilizing the latest dental technologies to exceed all of your expectations. Call today!
Stansell Dentistry Associates, 9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204, Raleigh, NC 27617-4879 • 984-477-0177 • stanselldentistry.com • 2/14/2026 • Key Phrases: dentist Raleigh NC •