Dental Sealants

Brushing and flossing every day are great ways to keep your teeth cavity-free, but some teeth are harder to reach, so Tiger Family Dental Care offers dental sealants as another layer of protection. At their office in Rockville, Maryland, experienced providers Ibad Farshori, DMD, and Florentino Palacios, DDS, offer this effective, cost-efficient method to avoid decay in your permanent teeth. To schedule an appointment, you can call or book online today.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are protective coatings that your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (the molars and premolars). These areas are most likely to develop cavities because food and bacteria get trapped in their deep pits and grooves.

The sealant quickly hardens and forms a shield over your enamel, making it harder for plaque and acids to do damage. They add another layer of protection, but good oral hygiene is still important. Sealants last about five years, depending on wear and tear.

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Dental sealants offer significant upsides, including:

• Sealants can reduce the risk of tooth decay
• Preventing cavities means fewer fillings, crowns, or root canals later
• The process takes just a few minutes per tooth, with no drilling or numbing needed
• They’re kid- and adult-friendly

Since they help you avoid dental procedures, dental sealants can save you time and money.

Who needs dental sealants?

Tiger Family Dental Care may recommend sealants for:

Children and teenagers

Especially when their permanent molars come in (usually around ages 6-12), sealing them early helps protect them from cavities during cavity-prone years.

Adults with no decay or fillings in their molars

If your back teeth are healthy but you’re prone to cavities, sealants can still be a smart move.

People with deep grooves in their teeth

Some people naturally have deeper pits that are harder to clean with a toothbrush.

Your provider can let you know if sealants would be helpful based on your specific teeth and dental history.

What happens during the sealant procedure?

Getting dental sealants is a fast, simple treatment. First, your provider cleans the surface of the tooth thoroughly to remove any food, plaque, or bacteria. Next, they apply a special solution to roughen the tooth’s surface slightly. This helps the sealant bond properly.

Your dentist paints the sealant onto your tooth enamel, where it flows into the grooves. Then they use a special blue light to harden the sealant quickly. Once it’s set, you can eat and drink as soon as you want.

Whether you’re a parent looking out for your child’s smile or an adult curious about extra protection, talk to your Tiger Family Dental Care dentist about whether sealants are right for you. You can schedule an appointment online today or call the nearest office.