Yes. Dental sealants have been used clinically for over fifty years and have an excellent safety record. The materials used in modern sealants — resin-based composites and glass ionomers — are well-studied and approved for dental use. Some older sealant formulations contained trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), a concern that has been raised periodically. Modern sealant materials are formulated to address this concern, and the consensus of major dental and health organizations is that the benefits of sealants in preventing decay substantially outweigh any theoretical risk from trace chemical exposure. Our team uses current-generation sealant materials and is happy to discuss any questions you have about the materials we use.

No. Dental sealants are applied to the surface of the tooth without any drilling, removal of tooth structure, or injections. The process involves cleaning the tooth, applying a mild etching solution that is rinsed off, painting on the sealant material, and curing it with a light. Most patients — including young children — find the procedure entirely comfortable and easy to tolerate.

FAQs - Eastern Family Dentistry

Q: Will my child be able to feel the sealant on their tooth?

Most patients are unaware of the sealant after a brief adaptation period. Immediately after placement, some patients notice a slight smoothness on the chewing surface — which is simply the sealed surface rather than the natural groove anatomy. This sensation resolves quickly as the patient adapts. If your child reports a biting sensation that feels off or uncomfortable after leaving the office, call us — a quick bite adjustment resolves this easily.

Q: Can adults get dental sealants?

Yes. Adults whose back teeth are free of decay and existing fillings are candidates for sealants, particularly those with deep occlusal grooves or a history of occlusal decay. There is no age limit for sealant placement — the clinical indication is an intact, at-risk tooth surface, not a specific age range. If you have never had sealants and your back teeth have remained cavity-free, sealing them now is a worthwhile preventive step.

Q: At what age should my child get dental sealants?

The ideal time to place sealants is as soon as the permanent molars erupt — around age six for the first molars and around age twelve for the second molars. Placing sealants at eruption protects the tooth immediately, before any decay has had an opportunity to begin. Primary molars can also be sealed in children at high cavity risk. Our team evaluates sealant candidacy at every checkup and recommends placement when the timing is right.

Q: Is a crown always necessary after a root canal?

For back teeth — molars and premolars — a crown after root canal treatment is strongly recommended and considered standard of care. These teeth bear the greatest chewing forces, and a root-canal-treated tooth without a crown is at significant risk of fracture. For front teeth, a crown may not always be necessary — the clinical decision depends on how much natural tooth structure remains after the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the recommendation specific to your situation.