Dental Sealants for Adults: Are They Worth It for You?

Can adults get dental sealants?

Yes. Many people think of sealants as a children’s treatment, but the American Dental Association (ADA) says children and adults can benefit from them. A sealant is a thin coating painted on the chewing surface of a back tooth. It keeps food and bacteria out of the deep grooves. Those grooves are where a cavity often starts.

Town Center Dental lists dental sealants as a service. The practice’s own page describes how it places them. This post covers the adult side of the question: when they may help and when they will not.

Why do back teeth get cavities so easily?

Back teeth called molars have deep pits and grooves. The ADA says molars are rough and uneven, and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. A toothbrush bristle often cannot reach the bottom of a groove.

A dental sealant covers those grooves. The CDC describes sealants as thin coatings painted on the back teeth that can prevent cavities for many years. They are no substitute for brushing and flossing. The ADA says they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early decay from becoming a full-blown cavity.

Which adults may benefit most?

Adults who tend to get cavities in their back teeth may benefit most. Cleveland Clinic says adults without decay or dental fillings in their molars can also benefit, and that in general anyone prone to tooth decay on their back teeth should consider sealants.

The CDC adds a data point: adults aged 20 to 34 have more untreated cavities in their back teeth than any other age group. As a result, it says, young adults may benefit from sealants. Untreated decay is also called tooth decay. A history of cavities in your back teeth is a good reason to ask. Your dentist sees your teeth and can say if you fit.

Which teeth cannot take a sealant?

A tooth that already has a filling or crown is usually not a candidate. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot have sealants placed on teeth that have existing decay or dental fillings, and that dentists also will not place them on teeth with fillings or crowns. In those cases, a sealant is not just unnecessary but unhelpful.

The ADA adds one nuance. It says sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage, and some sealants are clear so the dentist can keep an eye on the tooth. A larger cavity needs a filling instead. Your dentist makes that call after looking at the tooth.

How long do sealants last on adult teeth?

Several years. The ADA says sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. Cleveland Clinic says up to five years. Your dentist checks the sealant at regular visits and can reapply it if needed.

Cleveland Clinic also warns that if sealants are not placed properly they can seal in bacteria and cause cavities. That is one reason to have a dentist place them and check them over time.

Are sealants worth it for me?

It depends on your cavity risk. Sealants make the most sense for a back tooth that is healthy, has deep grooves and has not been filled. They make little sense for a tooth that already has a filling.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

1. List your back teeth that have never had a filling.
2. Ask your dentist which of them have deep grooves.
3. Ask how likely you are to get a cavity there, given your history, diet and cleaning habits.
4. Ask what the sealant would cost you after your plan pays, and how often it needs a check.

A sealant is an extra layer of protection, not a substitute for brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth every day. Your regular dental exam is the right time to bring this up.

What is it like to get a sealant?

The visit is short, and there is little to prepare. Cleveland Clinic says there is nothing you need to do to prepare, and no downtime afterward. The ADA describes the steps like this: your dentist cleans and dries the tooth, then places a gel that roughs up the surface so the sealant bonds well. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again. The dentist then paints the sealant into the grooves and hardens it with a special blue light.

The ADA says that, apart from an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from sealants. Tell your dentist about any allergies before treatment. Afterward, you can usually eat and drink as normal, but Cleveland Clinic says extremely hard, sticky or chewy foods can chip or erode a new sealant. If a sealant chips or feels rough, mention it at your next visit.

Will my dental plan pay for adult sealants?

Some plans do. The ADA says some plans cover sealants, so call your dental benefit company to find out what kind of coverage you have. The ADA also notes that many dental plans cover sealants on children’s teeth, so do not assume your plan covers adults. Town Center Dental does not publish fees. The office gives each patient an estimate for their own plan. You can read more on the insurance and financing page.

Next step

If you get cavities in your back teeth, ask whether sealants fit your mouth. Read about dental sealants at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment.