At Gainesville Family Dentistry we offer Dental Sealant services.

Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last two to three years on average before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary. 

Children should receive sealants on permanent molars as soon as they erupt ( about 6 and 12 years ). If a tooth already has a filling, then it does not get a dental sealant.  Sealants are simple, painless, and requires no drilling.


Please click on any of the services to the right to learn more about them.