Dental Sealants in Arlington, MA
Dental sealants are one of the simplest, fastest, and most effective ways to protect teeth from cavities — especially for children and teens. At Dental Pro, we apply professional-grade sealants to shield the most cavity-prone surfaces of your teeth before decay has a chance to develop. Call us at (617) 607-2083 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective plastic coating that is applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the premolars and molars — where cavities most commonly develop. The natural anatomy of these teeth includes deep pits, grooves, and fissures that are ideal traps for food particles and bacteria. Even patients who brush and floss diligently may find it difficult to fully clean these narrow, irregular surfaces — making them especially vulnerable to decay over time.
When our team at Dental Pro applies a sealant, the liquid coating flows into these grooves and bonds to the tooth surface, creating a smooth, protective shield that blocks food and bacteria from settling in and causing cavities. Sealants are quick to apply, completely painless, and require no drilling or removal of tooth structure — making them an ideal preventive tool for patients of all ages, particularly children.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
While dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, they can also be highly beneficial for adults who have not yet developed cavities or decay in their back teeth. The ideal time to apply sealants in children is shortly after the permanent molars come in — typically between the ages of 6 and 12 — before decay has had a chance to develop. Sealing these teeth early provides years of protection during the period when children are most prone to cavities and when establishing healthy oral hygiene habits is still an ongoing process.
At Dental Pro, our team will evaluate whether sealants are appropriate for your child — or for you — during your routine dental cleaning and exam. Sealants are only applied to teeth that are free of decay and existing fillings, so early application is always the most effective approach. Sealants are also available as part of our dedicated pediatric sealants service for younger patients.
What to Expect During the Sealant Application
The sealant application process at Dental Pro is straightforward, completely comfortable, and typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. Our team begins by thoroughly cleaning and drying the teeth to be treated. A mildly acidic solution is then applied to the chewing surfaces to slightly roughen the enamel, which helps the sealant bond more effectively. The tooth is rinsed and dried again before the liquid sealant is carefully painted onto the surface. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant quickly in place. Once set, the sealant is checked for coverage and comfort, and your teeth are ready to go — no downtime required.
Dental sealants are durable and can provide protection for many years with normal use. Our team at Dental Pro will check the condition of your sealants at each routine visit and reapply them if they show signs of wear or chipping. Combined with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings and exams, sealants form a powerful layer of additional protection as part of a comprehensive preventive dentistry plan.
Dental sealants work best as one component of a complete preventive strategy. At Dental Pro, we also offer fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, and digital X-rays to give our team — and our patients — the most complete picture of oral health at every visit. To explore all of our general and preventive services, visit our general dentistry page or call (617) 607-2083.
Ready to protect your family’s smiles? Call Dental Pro at (617) 607-2083 or contact us to schedule your sealant appointment in Arlington, MA today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants and how do they prevent cavities?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — where the deep pits and grooves make it difficult for brushing to fully remove food and bacteria. At Dental Pro, we paint the liquid sealant directly onto these surfaces, where it bonds and hardens into a smooth protective shield that blocks decay-causing bacteria from settling in. Sealants are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available, significantly reducing the risk of cavities in treated teeth.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last several years with normal use and proper oral hygiene. At Dental Pro, our team checks the condition of your sealants at every routine cleaning and exam to ensure they remain intact and continue providing full protection. If a sealant shows signs of wear, chipping, or has partially come off, we can quickly reapply it to restore coverage. With regular monitoring, sealants can remain effective for a decade or more.
At what age should children get dental sealants?
The ideal time to apply sealants is shortly after a child’s permanent molars erupt — typically around ages 6 and 12 for the first and second molars respectively. Applying sealants early, before decay has had a chance to develop, provides the greatest preventive benefit during the years when children are most vulnerable to cavities. Our team at Dental Pro will evaluate your child’s teeth during their routine exam and let you know when sealants are recommended. We also offer dedicated pediatric sealants as part of our children’s dental care.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes. Dental sealants have been used safely and effectively for decades and are endorsed by major dental and health organizations as a safe and beneficial preventive treatment. The sealant material is applied only to the outer surface of the tooth enamel — no drilling or removal of tooth structure is required. At Dental Pro, we use professional-grade sealant materials and follow established protocols to ensure a safe and effective application for every patient.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Absolutely. While sealants are most commonly associated with children’s dentistry, they can also benefit adults who have cavity-free back teeth with deep grooves that are difficult to clean. If you are an adult who has never had sealants and wants to add an extra layer of protection against decay, our team at Dental Pro can evaluate your teeth at your next cleaning and exam to determine whether sealants are a good fit for your oral health needs.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No. Dental sealants are a powerful addition to a preventive care routine, but they do not replace brushing, flossing, or professional dental care. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth but do not cover the sides of teeth or the spaces between them — areas where plaque and tartar still accumulate and where decay and gum disease can still develop. Combining sealants with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings and exams at Dental Pro provides the most comprehensive protection for your smile.
Does getting dental sealants hurt?
No. The sealant application process at Dental Pro is completely painless and requires no anesthesia, drilling, or removal of tooth structure. The teeth are simply cleaned, dried, and coated with the sealant material, which is then hardened with a curing light. The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth and is very well tolerated by patients of all ages — including young children who may be anxious about dental procedures.