Long-Lasting Cavity Protection for Children, Teens, and Adults
The back teeth do the hardest work in your mouth, and they’re also the most likely to develop cavities. Molars and premolars have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces where food particles and bacteria collect. Even the most careful brushers can’t always reach into these tiny crevices, which is why so many cavities start there.
Dental sealants solve this problem with a thin, protective coating that seals off those grooves and keeps decay-causing bacteria out. At New Face Dentistry, we apply sealants in a fast, comfortable visit with no drilling, no needles, and no downtime. Families from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and across Atlanta rely on sealants as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay.
Book Your Sealant AppointmentWhat Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?
Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored resin coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Once applied, the sealant flows into the natural pits and fissures of the tooth and hardens into a smooth, protective shield. This barrier keeps food, plaque, and bacteria from settling into the grooves where cavities typically begin.
Sealants are highly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants protect against about 80% of cavities in the back teeth for two years and continue to protect against about 50% of cavities for up to four years. Because they’re clear or tooth-colored, sealants are virtually invisible when you smile.
Why Atlanta Families Choose Dental Sealants
Sealants are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments in dentistry. Here’s why so many parents and adults choose them:
- Proven cavity prevention: Sealants dramatically lower the risk of decay on the teeth most prone to cavities.
- Quick and comfortable: Each tooth takes only a few minutes, with no shots, drilling, or numbing required.
- Preserves natural tooth structure: Preventing cavities means fewer fillings and less need for future restorative work.
- Saves money over time: Sealing a tooth costs far less than treating a cavity, crown, or root canal later.
- Invisible protection: Tooth-colored sealant material blends naturally with your teeth.
- Durable results: With good care, sealants can protect teeth for many years.
- Ideal for kids: Sealants protect new permanent molars during the years when children are still mastering brushing.
How We Apply Dental Sealants in One Quick Visit
Getting sealants is one of the easiest dental appointments you’ll ever have. The entire process is painless, and most patients can have several teeth sealed in a single short visit. Here’s what happens:
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Children and teens benefit most from sealants, but they can be a smart choice at any age. Our team may recommend sealants for:
- Children around ages 6 to 7, when the first permanent molars come in.
- Preteens and teens around ages 11 to 14, when the second permanent molars erupt.
- Adults with deep grooves on healthy, decay-free molars and premolars.
- Patients with a history of cavities or a higher risk of tooth decay.
- People with dry mouth, which reduces saliva’s natural ability to protect teeth.
- Patients who find it difficult to brush their back teeth thoroughly.
In some cases, baby molars with deep grooves may also be sealed to help children keep those teeth healthy until they naturally fall out. During your exam, our doctor will check each tooth and let you know whether sealants make sense for you or your child.
Sealants as Part of a Complete Preventive Care Plan
Sealants work best alongside other preventive treatments. Regular cleanings remove buildup, fluoride strengthens enamel, and routine exams catch early changes before they become cavities. Together, these steps give children the best chance at a cavity-free smile and help adults avoid costly restorative work.
Many PPO insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens as part of their preventive benefits. Our Atlanta team will verify your coverage before treatment. Patients without insurance can join our Smile Club for preventive care and savings on most treatments.
Give Your Family’s Smiles Lasting Protection
A few minutes in the dental chair today can prevent years of cavities, fillings, and discomfort. Our caring team make sealant visits easy and stress-free for kids and adults alike. We welcome families from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and throughout Atlanta to our office at 700 Morosgo Dr NE, Suite J-100.
Call 404-262-9600 or request an appointment online to find out whether dental sealants are right for you or your child.
Request an AppointmentFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
Most children should get dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars come in. The first permanent molars typically erupt around ages 6 to 7, and the second molars around ages 11 to 14. Sealing these teeth soon after they appear protects them during the years when cavities are most likely to develop. Our dentist will check your child’s teeth at each visit to determine the best timing.
Yes. Adults with healthy molars and premolars that have deep grooves can benefit from sealants just as children do. Sealants are especially helpful for adults with a history of cavities, dry mouth, or difficulty cleaning their back teeth. Teeth must be free of decay and existing fillings on the chewing surface to be good candidates. Our doctor can evaluate your teeth during your next exam at our Atlanta office.
Dental sealants can last for many years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on chewing habits, oral hygiene, and how much wear the teeth experience. Our team checks sealants during every routine cleaning and exam. If a sealant becomes worn or chipped, it can be repaired or reapplied quickly to maintain protection.
No. Getting dental sealants is completely painless. There’s no drilling, no needles, and no numbing involved. The process simply involves cleaning the teeth, painting on the sealant, and hardening it with a curing light. Most children are surprised at how quick and easy the appointment is.
Yes. Dental sealants are considered safe and are recommended by major dental and public health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the CDC. Some patients ask about BPA in sealant materials. Research shows that any exposure from sealants is extremely low, far less than from everyday sources like food packaging. Our team is happy to answer any questions about the materials we use.
Sealants are one of the most cost-effective treatments in dentistry, and they cost far less than treating a cavity later. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and teens, often for permanent molars up to a certain age. Coverage for adults varies by plan. Our Atlanta team will verify your benefits before treatment and explain any out-of-pocket costs.
Sealants are placed on healthy teeth or teeth with very early enamel changes that haven’t formed a cavity. In some cases, sealing these early areas can stop decay from progressing. A tooth with an active cavity needs to be treated with a composite filling instead. We will examine each tooth carefully before recommending sealants.
Yes. Your child can eat and drink normally right after the appointment. Because the sealant is hardened with a curing light during the visit, there’s no waiting period. The bite may feel slightly different at first, but this usually goes away within a day or two. If it feels uneven, call our office and we’ll make a quick adjustment.
No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but the rest of each tooth still needs daily care. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily remain essential for preventing cavities and gum disease. Families in Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and across Atlanta get the best results by combining sealants with good home care and regular checkups at New Face Dentistry.
