Dental Sealants in Sherman Oaks

Protecting your teeth today is one of the best ways to avoid more invasive dental treatments tomorrow. At our Sherman Oaks dental practice, we offer dental sealants as a simple, highly effective way to guard against cavities, especially in the molars, which are most prone to decay due to their deep grooves and heavy chewing function.

Dental sealants work by creating a thin, protective layer over the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, blocking plaque, food particles, and bacteria from settling in hard-to-clean crevices. Whether you want to protect your child’s newly erupted permanent teeth or you’re an adult looking to keep your smile healthy, sealants are a smart, proactive choice.

Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored resin coatings carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars. These back teeth often have deep pits and fissures that ordinary brushing can’t fully reach.

Once applied and cured, the sealant acts as a shield to keep cavity-causing bacteria from penetrating the enamel. Research shows that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by as much as 80%, making them a proven method of preventive dental care.

The procedure is quick, comfortable, and requires no drilling or numbing. With good hygiene habits and regular dental visits, sealants can last for several years.

Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teens soon after their permanent molars come in, but adults can also benefit. You might be a good candidate if you:

Placing a sealant is a simple, four-step process:

1. Clean the Tooth Surface
   We remove plaque and debris from the tooth’s grooves.
2. Apply Etching Solution
   A gentle solution roughens the enamel slightly to help the sealant bond securely.
3. Place and Cure the Sealant
   The liquid resin is painted on and hardened with a special curing light.
4. Check the Bite
   We verify the bite feels comfortable and adjust if needed.