Dentist smiling with a young patient after pediatric dental sealants treatment

Stop Cavities Before They Start

When it comes to protecting your child's smile or your own, prevention will always be more effective, more comfortable, and more affordable than treatment. Dental sealants are one of the simplest and most powerful preventive tools available, offering long-lasting protection against the cavities that most commonly develop in the grooves and pits of back teeth.

At Seven Bridges Dental Studio, Dr. Fariha Querishi recommends dental sealants as part of a comprehensive preventive care plan for children and adults alike. The procedure is quick, completely painless, and requires no anesthesia and the protection it provides can last for years.

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What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings, typically made from a tooth-colored resin material, that are applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that are extremely difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, making them the most cavity-prone surfaces in the mouth.

By flowing into and bonding with these grooves, sealants create a smooth, sealed surface that prevents food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped, effectively cutting off the conditions that lead to decay before it can begin. Studies show that dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in back teeth by up to 80%, making them one of the most cost-effective preventive investments in dentistry.

What to Expect When Getting Dental Sealants

1

Cleaning & Preparation

The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the sealant bonds properly. A mild acidic gel is briefly applied to the chewing surface to gently roughen it — this creates a stronger bond between the sealant and the tooth enamel. The gel is then rinsed away and the tooth is dried again.

2

Sealant Application

The liquid sealant material is carefully painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth, where it flows in and coats the entire chewing surface. The process is completely comfortable and takes just a few minutes per tooth.

3

Curing & Hardening

A special curing light is held over the tooth for a few seconds to harden and set the sealant quickly and securely in place. Once cured, the sealant forms a hard, durable shield over the tooth surface.

4

Quick Check & You're Done

Dr. Querishi checks the sealant to ensure full coverage and a comfortable bite. The entire process, from preparation to completion, typically takes less than 30 minutes, even when multiple teeth are being sealed. No recovery time needed. Patients can eat and drink normally shortly after their appointment.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?

While dental sealants are most commonly associated with children, they can be a valuable preventive tool for patients of all ages. Dr. Querishi will evaluate your teeth at your appointment and recommend sealants based on your individual cavity risk, the depth of your tooth grooves, and your oral health history.

Children & Teens: Sealants are most effective when applied soon after permanent molars erupt, typically between ages 6 and 14. They can also protect baby molars until they naturally fall out.
Adults: Sealants can benefit adults with deep grooves, a history of cavities, or hard-to-clean molars. They're not just for kids, and we'll let you know if they're right for you.

Ready to Protect Your Teeth?

Dental sealants are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect your child's teeth and your own. Dr. Querishi and the Seven Bridges team are welcoming new patients of all ages and would love to help you build a preventive care plan that keeps cavities away for good.

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Serving patients in Woodridge, Darien, Lisle, Bolingbrook & surrounding communities

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants

Yes. Dental sealants have been used safely and effectively in dentistry for decades and are recommended by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the CDC. The resin material used is BPA-free and completely safe for both children and adults. The minimal, brief exposure during application is far outweighed by the significant protection sealants provide against tooth decay.

Not at all. Applying dental sealants is completely painless and requires no drilling or anesthesia of any kind. The process involves cleaning the tooth, applying a mild conditioning gel, painting on the sealant liquid, and curing it with a light — none of which cause any discomfort. It's one of the easiest dental procedures we offer, and even the most anxious young patients handle it without any trouble.

The ideal time to apply sealants is shortly after the permanent molars erupt. The first permanent molars typically come in around age 6, and the second permanent molars around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they fully erupt gives them maximum protection during the years when cavity risk is highest. Dr. Querishi will monitor your child's tooth development at their regular exams and let you know when sealants are recommended.

Absolutely. While sealants are most commonly applied during childhood, adults without existing decay or restorations in their molars can benefit just as much from the protection they provide. Adults with deep tooth grooves, a history of frequent cavities, or difficulty keeping back teeth clean are particularly good candidates. Dr. Querishi will evaluate whether sealants are a good fit for your smile at your exam.

A properly applied sealant that remains fully intact prevents bacteria and food from reaching the tooth surface beneath it. However, if a sealant chips, wears, or partially separates from the tooth, bacteria can potentially get underneath and cause decay. This is why regular dental exams are so important — Dr. Querishi checks the integrity of your sealants at every visit and repairs or reseals any areas that need attention before problems develop.

Dental Sealants in Woodridge, IL

Stop Cavities Before They Start

What Are Dental Sealants?

What to Expect When Getting Dental Sealants

Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?

Ready to Protect Your Teeth?

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants

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