Prevent cavities before they start with dental sealants
Finch Midland Dental in Scarborough offers dental sealants — a painless, non-invasive coating that reduces cavity risk on molars by up to 80%. Applied in minutes with no drilling or anesthesia, sealants protect the deep grooves and pits where brushing alone cannot reach. our team recommends sealants for children as soon as permanent molars erupt and for adults with cavity-prone teeth. Schedule your visit or call (416) 297-6109.
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect the chewing surfaces of your teeth from decay. They are a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the grooves and pits of your teeth, forming a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and acids that can cause cavities.
Sealants are most commonly used on the molars and premolars, which are the teeth at the back of the mouth that are used for chewing. By providing an extra layer of protection, dental sealants can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future. If you're looking to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities, dental sealants may be a smart choice for you.
Before applying sealants, we examine each tooth individually. If a groove already shows early signs of decay, we address that first — sealants are placed only on healthy, intact enamel. We use BPA-free resin materials and verify the seal on each tooth with a bite check before the patient leaves.
At each follow-up visit, we inspect existing sealants for wear or chipping and reapply if needed — ensuring continuous protection without gaps.
Reviewed by our team · Finch Midland Dental, Scarborough
Cleaning: First, your dentist will clean the teeth that will receive the sealants. This ensures that no debris or bacteria are present on the tooth surface, allowing the sealant to bond properly.
Drying: Once the teeth are clean, your dentist will use an air compressor or other drying tool to ensure that the tooth surface is completely dry. Moisture can interfere with the bonding process, so this step is crucial.
Etching: Next, your dentist will apply a mild acid solution to the tooth surface. This etches the surface of the tooth, creating a rough surface that helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
Application: Once the tooth surface is prepared, your dentist will apply the sealant to the grooves and fissures of the tooth using a small brush. The sealant is a liquid resin that hardens quickly once applied.
Curing: Finally, your dentist will use a special light to cure or harden the sealant. The light activates the resin, causing it to harden and form a protective barrier on the tooth surface.
The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth and is painless. With proper care, dental sealants can last for several years, providing long-lasting protection against tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a highly effective preventative measure that offer several benefits to individuals of all ages:
Sealants reduce the risk of decay in the permanent molars by up to 80%, making them one of the most effective preventative treatments available for children.
No drilling, no shots, no discomfort. The entire sealant application process takes only a few minutes per tooth and is completely non-invasive.
When properly applied and maintained, dental sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years — with routine monitoring at each checkup.
The CDC estimates that for every dollar spent on sealants, $8–$38 can be saved in future dental treatment costs by preventing fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Dental sealants have been recommended by the ADA and CDC for decades. They are safe for patients of all ages and have an extensive track record of clinical effectiveness.
The entire appointment takes about 15–30 minutes depending on how many teeth are sealed. Here is the process step by step:
Parents and patients often have these questions before choosing sealants. our team addresses each one at your visit.
"Are dental sealants safe? What about BPA?"
Dental sealants have been recommended by the ADA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for decades. While some sealant materials contain trace amounts of BPA, the exposure is extremely low — less than what you'd get from handling a receipt or breathing dust. At Finch Midland Dental, we use BPA-free sealant materials for additional peace of mind.
"Can adults get dental sealants, or are they just for kids?"
Adults absolutely can benefit from sealants. If you have deep grooves on your molars, a history of cavities, or teeth that haven't yet developed decay, sealants provide the same protective benefit for adults as they do for children.
"What if a sealant falls off or chips?"
Sealants are checked at every routine visit. If one has worn or chipped, we can reapply it in minutes — the same quick, painless process as the original application. A partial sealant still provides some protection, but reapplication ensures the full barrier is restored.
Dental sealants are one of the lowest-risk procedures in dentistry. However, informed patients make better decisions:
Dental sealants are made of a plastic-like material called resin. The resin flows into the grooves and pits of the tooth and hardens under a curing light to form a smooth, protective shield.
When applied and maintained properly, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. They are checked at every routine visit and can be reapplied quickly if any wear is detected.
No, dental sealants are painless and do not require any numbing or anesthesia. The application involves cleaning, painting, and light-curing — no drilling at any point.
Dental sealants are typically used on the molars and premolars, which are more prone to decay due to their deep grooves and fissures. They are not usually placed on front teeth, which have smoother surfaces.
Yes. At our Scarborough dental office we offer dental sealants to patients from Scarborough and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children under 14–18, depending on the plan. Coverage for adults varies. We verify your benefits before your visit and will let you know your coverage and any out-of-pocket cost.
The ADA recommends sealants as soon as the first permanent molars erupt — typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars. Sealing these teeth early provides the most protection during the cavity-prone years.
No. Sealants are a preventative treatment and should only be placed on healthy enamel. If decay is already present, our team will treat the cavity first. Sealants can then be placed on the remaining healthy teeth to prevent further decay.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dental sealants are a preventative measure and are not a substitute for daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Sealants may need periodic reapplication. Consult our team or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.
Contact our office to learn how dental sealants can help prevent cavities and keep your smile healthy.