Dental Sealants in Fort Mill, SC
Added Protection Against Cavities for Kids and Adults
Tooth decay often begins in the deep grooves of the back teeth—areas that can be difficult to clean thoroughly, especially for children. At Core Dentistry, we offer professional dental sealants as a simple and effective way to protect these vulnerable areas and prevent cavities before they start.
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, DMD FAGD and Dr. Erika Burley, DMD, our team provides sealant treatments to patients of all ages, with a focus on prevention, education, and comfort. We’re proud to serve individuals and families in Fort Mill, Tega Cay, India Hook, and nearby communities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a safe resin material. They are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, where pits and fissures tend to trap food particles and bacteria.
Once hardened, the sealant forms a barrier that shields the enamel from acids and plaque, significantly reducing the risk of decay.
Sealants are most commonly recommended for:
- Children and teens with newly erupted permanent molars
- Adults with deep grooves or high cavity risk
- Patients with difficulty maintaining regular brushing in hard-to-reach areas
This preventive treatment is often performed during a routine dental cleaning and takes only a few minutes per tooth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
While brushing and flossing are essential, even the best oral hygiene routines can miss the narrow grooves of the back teeth. Sealants act as a second line of defense by:
- Preventing up to 80% of cavities in molars
- Reducing the need for future fillings or dental work
- Offering long-lasting protection—often up to 10 years with proper care
- Providing a pain-free and non-invasive solution for decay prevention
Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so they blend in naturally and are virtually unnoticeable.
When Should Sealants Be Applied?
The best time to apply dental sealants is shortly after the permanent molars erupt, which typically occurs around ages 6 and 12. However, adults can also benefit from sealants, especially if they have a history of decay or deep grooves in their teeth.
During your child’s general dentistry visit, our team will evaluate whether sealants are appropriate and explain the benefits of early protection.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied
Applying sealants is a quick and painless procedure that requires no drilling or numbing. Here’s what to expect:
- The tooth surface is cleaned and dried.
- A special gel is applied to prepare the enamel.
- After rinsing and drying again, the sealant material is painted onto the tooth.
- A curing light is used to harden the sealant and bond it to the enamel.
The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and normal eating and drinking can resume immediately afterward.
FAQs About Dental Sealants
Are dental sealants only for kids?
While dental sealants are most commonly applied to children’s molars, many adults benefit from sealants—especially those with deep grooves or a high risk of decay.
How long do sealants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, sealants can last up to 10 years. During your dental exams, we’ll monitor the condition of your sealants and reapply them if needed.
Are sealants covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens, and some offer limited coverage for adults. Our team can check your benefits and provide a cost estimate before treatment.
Do sealants hurt?
Not at all. The process is completely painless, non-invasive, and requires no numbing. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent future cavities.
Can sealants be placed over cavities?
Sealants are intended for use on healthy teeth before cavities develop. However, in some cases, they can be applied over areas of early decay to prevent further damage. We’ll assess this during your visit.
Question text goes here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Request a Dental Sealants Appointment in Fort Mill Today
Dental sealants are a fast, affordable way to protect your teeth or your child’s smile from cavities. At Core Dentistry, we make preventive care simple and stress-free for the whole family.
Call (803) 681-6600 or request your appointment online to get started with dental sealants at our Fort Mill, SC office today.