☎ (586) 500-7647
| 47766 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Prevent cavities before they start with dental sealants
Dental sealants are one of the most cost-effective and powerful preventative tools available in modern dentistry. Applied in minutes with no drilling and no discomfort, sealants create a physical barrier that blocks food and bacteria from the deep grooves of your back teeth — the very areas where up to 80% of childhood cavities develop. At Roam Dental in Shelby Township, we recommend sealants as part of a comprehensive preventative care plan for children and adults alike.
On This Page
Dental sealants are a thin, liquid plastic resin painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — primarily the molars and premolars. Once applied, the resin flows into the deep pits and grooves of the tooth and is hardened with a curing light, forming a durable, smooth surface that food particles and bacteria cannot penetrate.
The molars are particularly vulnerable to decay because their complex anatomy — full of narrow fissures — makes thorough cleaning with a toothbrush nearly impossible. Even with excellent brushing habits, bristles often cannot reach deep enough to remove all debris. Sealants eliminate this structural vulnerability entirely by sealing the grooves shut.
According to the CDC, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay in the back teeth by up to 80% in children. They are a proven, safe, and non-invasive complement to regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments in any comprehensive preventative program.
The American Dental Association recommends that children receive sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they erupt — typically around ages 6 and 12. Applying sealants early provides years of protection during the period when children are most prone to cavities and are still developing consistent oral hygiene habits.
Adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly those who have never had cavities in their back teeth, have deep natural fissures, or have not received sealants as children. Sealants can only be applied to cavity-free surfaces, so it is important to act before decay begins. If you have not had a recent comprehensive exam, we will assess whether your teeth are suitable candidates at your appointment.
Patients with orthodontic appliances, a history of frequent cavities, or reduced salivary flow are especially good candidates, as these conditions increase the risk of food becoming trapped in tooth grooves. Ask our team whether sealants are the right preventative step for you or your child.
Applying dental sealants is one of the fastest and most comfortable procedures in our office. The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling, no anesthesia, and no recovery time. The tooth is first cleaned and dried, then a mild acidic solution is briefly applied to create a slightly rough surface that helps the sealant bond securely.
The sealant resin is then painted onto the prepared tooth surface and hardened immediately with a curing light. Once set, your dentist will check your bite to ensure the sealant doesn't interfere with how your teeth come together. The result is a smooth, sealed surface that protects the underlying enamel from bacteria and acid for years.
With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years before needing replacement. At each routine visit, we check the condition of existing sealants and can reapply as needed. Schedule a consultation today to find out if sealants are right for you or your child and start protecting those teeth before decay ever has a chance.
Dental sealants offer a powerful, low-cost defense against the most common cause of childhood tooth decay — and they benefit adults too:
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.