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What Does a Dental Sealant Actually Do?
Dental sealants are a thin, tooth colored coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where deep grooves make it easy for food and bacteria to get trapped. The sealant flows into those grooves and hardens into a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean. Once in place, sealants act as a barrier between the tooth and the acids that cause cavities.
At Choi & Lee Family Dentistry in La Verne, we apply sealants during a quick, comfortable visit with no drilling and no anesthetic required. They are most often recommended for children and teens as their permanent molars come in, but adults who are prone to decay in deep grooves can benefit as well. With good home care, sealants can protect teeth for several years.
Simple Protection, Real Results
Sealants block food and bacteria from settling into deep grooves, which is where most back tooth cavities begin. Less decay means fewer fillings and less time in the chair.
Fewer Cavities
Sealants block food and bacteria from settling into deep grooves, which is where most back tooth cavities begin. Less decay means fewer fillings and less time in the chair.
Quick and Painless
Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal. There is no drilling, no numbing, and no discomfort, which makes it an easy appointment for children and adults alike.
Long Lasting Defense
With good home care and routine checkups, sealants can protect vulnerable teeth for years. That steady protection supports healthier smiles during the cavity prone years of childhood and beyond.
Are Dental Sealants Right for You?
Sealants are a smart choice for most children and teens once their permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12, and again in the late teen years as wisdom teeth emerge. Parents often ask about sealants at a child's first back to school cleaning, especially when cavities have been an issue in the past. Adults who brush and floss well but still develop cavities in the grooves of their molars are also good candidates.
Deep pits and fissures in the back teeth are simply harder to clean no matter how diligent you are, and sealants provide a layer of protection that keeps food and bacteria from settling in. If you are unsure whether sealants make sense for you or your child, our La Verne team is happy to take a look and walk you through your options.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Before Your Appointment
Preparing for a sealant visit is simple. A little information ahead of time helps us place your sealants comfortably and without any rush.
Brush and floss as you normally would on the day of your visit.
Share any sensitivity concerns or past dental experiences with our team.
Wearing comfortable clothing and arriving early helps you settle in and feel relaxed.
After Your Appointment
Sealants work best when paired with good daily habits at home. A few simple steps help your new protection last as long as possible.
Keep brushing twice a day and flossing once daily as usual.
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or very sticky foods.
Return for regular cleanings so we can check your sealants over time.
A Simple Process, Carefully Done
We start by cleaning the tooth and drying it thoroughly so the sealant bonds well. A gentle conditioning gel is applied for a few seconds, then rinsed away. The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a safe curing light. The entire process is comfortable, tooth friendly, and does not involve drilling or removing any healthy tooth structure.
Because the application is so precise, the sealant fits the shape of your tooth naturally and feels smooth almost right away. Most patients can eat normally as soon as they leave our office. To find out whether dental sealants are right for you or your child, schedule a consultation with Choi & Lee Family Dentistry in La Verne today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider getting dental sealants?
How long does it take to apply sealants?
How long do dental sealants last?
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Still have some questions?
We welcome your questions and are happy to help. Contact our office at your convenience. Call us at (909) 596-4811
Stories From The FamiliesWe Serve
Our patients are our neighbors, and many have been with us for years. Here is what they have shared about the care, comfort, and trust they have found at our practice.
New Patient Offer For $159
New patients at our La Verne office can take advantage of a special introductory visit that includes a cleaning, comprehensive exam, and full set of x-rays, all for $159.
Dental Tips and Insights From Our Team
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