Dental Sealants in Chicago, IL
Few preventive treatments are as quick, painless, and effective as dental sealants. Dr. Raffi applies tooth-colored sealants to the deep grooves of the back teeth, the very spots where more than 50% of childhood cavities take hold, forming a smooth barrier that shuts out food and bacteria. For children especially, sealants rank among dentistry's most valuable preventive tools, and they are a cornerstone of the preventive care we provide at Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry.
What it is
A thin, tooth-colored plastic coating brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). It settles into the deep grooves and hardens into a protective shield against decay.
Who it's for
Mostly children, with sealants placed as soon as the permanent molars come in (around age 6 and again around age 12). Adults who have deep grooves or a high cavity risk can benefit too.
How we help
A quick, painless application with no drilling and no anesthesia. Our tooth-colored sealants are barely noticeable and, with proper care, can guard teeth for many years.
Sealants stop cavities before they ever start. Protect your child's permanent teeth as soon as they come in.
Why Sealants Are So Effective
- Pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of molars account for over 50% of cavities in children
- These deep grooves are the perfect environment to trap food and bacteria, and toothbrush bristles are often too wide to clean them
- The enamel in pits and fissures is frequently thinner and weaker, making these areas more vulnerable to decay
- Sealants fill in these grooves and create a smooth, sealed surface that's easy to clean and resistant to bacteria
- Once decay has formed, a sealant can no longer be placed, which is why early application is so important
How Sealants Are Applied
- Clean: The teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or food particles
- Isolate: The teeth are dried and isolated to keep them free from moisture
- Etch: A mild solution is applied to roughen the surface so the sealant bonds effectively
- Rinse and dry: The teeth are rinsed and dried again
- Apply: Liquid sealant is painted into the grooves with a tiny brush, flowing deep into every pit and fissure
- Harden: The sealant is cured with a special light, and the entire process takes just minutes per tooth
Timing and Care
When Should Sealants Be Applied?
- First permanent molars (age ~6): These teeth erupt behind the baby teeth and are especially vulnerable, so sealants should be placed as soon as they come in
- Second permanent molars (age ~12): Another critical window for sealant protection
- Premolars: May also benefit from sealants depending on the depth of their grooves
- Baby teeth: Occasionally sealed if they have deep grooves and the child is at high risk for cavities
- Dr. Raffi carefully examines each tooth before recommending a sealant, since timing is key to maximum protection
How Long Do Sealants Last?
- Sealants can protect teeth for many years with proper care
- Dr. Raffi checks sealants at every regular visit and can reapply them if they wear down or chip
- Avoid hard foods like ice and hard candy that can crack sealants
- Avoid sticky foods like taffy, caramel, and gummy candy that can pull sealants off
- Sealants protect the chewing surface, but brushing and flossing are still essential to protect between the teeth and along the gum line
Teeth are best sealed before any decay begins. Ask about sealants at your child's next visit.
What to Expect
At Your Visit
- Sealant application is completely painless, with no drilling, no shots, and no anesthesia
- The process takes only a few minutes per tooth
- Children often find it helpful to know that the sealant will be 'painted' on to protect their teeth
- Sealants can often be applied during a regular cleaning appointment
- Your child can eat and drink normally immediately after, with no recovery time
Tips to Prevent Cavities
- Brush at least twice a day for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid sugary and sticky foods, since even healthy snacks like raisins and dried fruit can cause decay if left on teeth
- Cut down on between-meal snacking to reduce acid exposure
- Drink plenty of water, which washes away food and keeps saliva flowing
- Visit Dr. Raffi at least twice a year, since early detection prevents bigger problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dental sealants have been used safely for decades and are strongly recommended by both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
Concerns occasionally come up about BPA, but the amount of exposure from a sealant is extremely small, far less than what you encounter every day from food containers, receipts, and countless other sources. For the vast majority of children and adults, the protection a sealant provides far outweighs that minimal exposure.
Yes. Sealants are most often placed on children's teeth, but adults can benefit too, particularly those whose molars are still cavity-free. Good adult candidates include people who have:
- Deep grooves and pits in their back teeth
- A high cavity risk or a history of frequent decay
- Molars with no existing fillings to protect
Dr. Raffi can check whether sealants make sense for you during a regular visit.
No. A sealant guards only the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which is where it does the most good. It cannot protect the areas it does not cover.
Cavities can still form between teeth, along the gum line, and on smooth surfaces, so brushing twice daily and flossing every night remain essential. Think of sealants as one important layer of defense that works alongside good daily hygiene, not as a replacement for it.
Dr. Raffi checks sealants at every regular visit. If one is worn, chipped, or missing, the tooth underneath is examined to confirm it is still cavity-free, and a fresh sealant is applied as needed.
If you or your child notices that a sealant has come off between appointments, give our office a call. Replacing it promptly keeps that chewing surface protected without a gap in coverage.
No. Once decay has taken hold, the tooth needs a filling or another restoration rather than a sealant, since sealing over a cavity would only trap the decay underneath.
Sealants are strictly preventive, which is why they have to go on before a cavity develops. That timing is exactly why Dr. Raffi recommends placing them soon after the permanent molars erupt.
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, usually for the permanent molars up to somewhere around age 14 to 18. Because coverage varies from plan to plan, we verify your benefits and let you know what to expect before treatment.
Even without insurance, sealants are very affordable, and at our Chicago and Bourbonnais, IL offices they cost far less than treating the cavities they help prevent. Preventing a problem is almost always easier on your budget than repairing one.
Give your child's teeth the best protection. Book their sealant appointment today.
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Visit Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry
Chicago Office
6215 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
Bourbonnais Office
876 N Convent St
Bourbonnais, IL 60914