Scottsville Family Dentistry

General Dentistry

Dental Sealants

A thin protective coating brushed onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth — most often used to protect children's permanent molars.

A dental sealant is a thin layer of resin painted into the deep grooves on the chewing surface of your back teeth. Those grooves are the hardest place to clean with a toothbrush — and they're where most childhood cavities start.

If your child has a new permanent six-year or twelve-year molar, that's the right moment to ask about sealants. The procedure takes just a few minutes per tooth — no drilling, no numbing — and you and your child are out the door. Dr. Azevedo and Dr. Lee see plenty of young patients from Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Buckingham who add sealants right at a routine cleaning.

Sealants typically last several years before they need to be checked or reapplied. If you're an adult with deep grooves and a history of cavities, you might be a good candidate too — you'll get a straight answer about whether they make sense for your situation.

Why it matters

  • ✓A simple, comfortable way to prevent childhood cavities
  • ✓Applied in minutes — no drilling, no numbing
  • ✓Covered by most insurance for children
  • ✓Can save thousands in future fillings and crowns

Questions we hear

At what age should my child get sealants?+
Most children get sealants on their first permanent molars around age six, and again on their second permanent molars around age twelve. We will look at each tooth and recommend sealants only on the ones that will benefit.
Are sealants safe?+
Yes. The materials used today are well tested and have been used for decades. They are recommended by the American Dental Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
How long do sealants last?+
Sealants commonly last five to ten years. We check them at every cleaning visit and reapply or repair any that have worn down. They are easy to maintain.