Simple Cavity Protection for Hard-to-Clean Back Teeth
Peoria Dental Care offers dental sealants to help protect molars and premolars from decay in deep chewing grooves.
Located on N Rockwood Dr in Peoria, our office welcomes patients from Peoria, Peoria Heights, Dunlap, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, Bartonville, and nearby Central Illinois communities.
Back teeth often have grooves and pits that can trap food and bacteria. Even with good brushing, these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Dental sealants create a thin protective layer over those grooves to help reduce the risk of cavities.
Sealants are commonly recommended for children around ages 7 through 14, especially as adult molars and bicuspids come in. The tooth-colored coating is placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help “seal” difficult-to-clean areas and make them more resistant to decay.
How Dental Sealants Work
- The tooth is cleaned and dried
- The chewing surface is prepared
- The sealant material is placed into the grooves
- The sealant is hardened and checked for comfort
Who May Benefit from Sealants?
Children and teens with newly erupted permanent molars or premolars are common candidates. Adults with deep grooves or cavity-prone back teeth may also benefit in certain situations.
Sealants Work Best with Good Home Care
Sealants are helpful protection, but they do not replace brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and healthy nutrition habits.
Schedule a Sealant Evaluation in Peoria
Peoria Dental Care can evaluate whether sealants are a good preventive option for your child or for cavity-prone back teeth.
Questions Patients Often Ask
Are sealants only for children?
No. They are most common for children and teens, but some adults with deep grooves may also be candidates.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants add protection in grooves, but daily brushing and flossing are still important.
