Home > Services > General & Preventive Dentistry > Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of your back teeth contain narrow grooves where food and plaque can settle, and the deepest areas can be difficult for toothbrush bristles to reach. A dental sealant covers selected grooves with a thin protective material, creating a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean.
A dental sealant forms a physical barrier between your tooth enamel and the cavity-causing bacteria that collect in deep pits. We help you address:
Tooth Condition | What We Evaluate | How Sealants Fit the Plan |
|---|---|---|
Newly Erupted Permanent Molars | Deep, narrow pits and fissures in children or teens | Can be sealed soon after eruption to protect vulnerable enamel |
Healthy Adult Back Teeth | Unfilled, cavity-prone grooves that trap plaque | Can provide extra protection when the tooth is suitable and dry |
Teeth with Open Cavities | Structural breakdown or active decay in the groove | Requires restorative treatment like a filling rather than a sealant alone |
We check the chewing surface and thoroughly clean the grooves to ensure no plaque or debris is trapped beneath the material.
We apply a mild conditioning solution to prepare the enamel, keeping the tooth completely dry to ensure a secure bond.
We flow the liquid sealant into the targeted grooves and harden it with a quick curing light, then check your bite for comfort.
When Dr. Mohammad Hammoud took over this established Michigan Avenue practice, he built its preventive services around honest, conservative care for the whole family. We evaluate each tooth individually rather than automatically applying sealants to everyone. If a tooth is healthy, clean, and has shallow grooves, we will tell you a sealant is not necessary. When protection is truly warranted, we ensure the procedure is fast, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
Sealants provide powerful protection, but they still rely on solid daily habits to keep your smile healthy:
No. Children are common candidates, but adults can also benefit when they have healthy, unfilled teeth with deep or cavity-prone grooves.
Usually not. Placement generally does not require drilling or local anesthetic, although you will feel the tooth being cleaned, dried, and checked during the appointment.
It usually takes only a few minutes per tooth. The exact time depends on the number of teeth being treated and how easily each tooth can be kept dry.
Yes. Light-cured sealants harden during the appointment, so you can usually eat afterward. Follow any different instructions we give you if another treatment, such as fluoride varnish, was completed at the same visit.
If your child's permanent molars are erupting or you have deep grooves that are difficult to keep clean, contact our Dearborn team today to evaluate whether sealants can add useful protection.
Reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Hammoud, DMD – 313 Dental, Dearborn, MI
