Pit and fissure sealants, commonly called dental sealants, are thin protective coatings placed in the grooves of back teeth. They form a barrier that helps keep food and cavity-causing bacteria out of areas that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
Reviewed by: Dr. Manish Pandey, BDS, FAGE (Manipal University) | Last reviewed: 12 August 2026
Key point: Sealants can reduce cavity risk on the chewing surfaces of molars, but they do not replace fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, a balanced diet, or regular dental examinations.
What is a pit and fissure sealant?
The chewing surfaces of premolars and molars contain natural pits and grooves. Some are deep or narrow enough to retain plaque even with careful brushing. A dental professional applies a flowable resin-based or glass-ionomer material to selected grooves, where it sets into a protective layer.
Sealants are primarily preventive. Evidence-based guidance from the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also supports their use over certain early, non-cavitated occlusal lesions after appropriate assessment. A tooth with a visible cavity may require a different treatment.
Who may benefit from dental sealants?
- Children soon after their permanent first molars erupt, usually around age 6.
- Children after permanent second molars erupt, often around age 12.
- Children with deep grooves in selected primary molars and a higher cavity risk.
- Teenagers or adults with susceptible, unrestored pits and fissures.
- People whose medical, dietary, salivary, or oral-hygiene factors increase cavity risk.
Age alone does not decide treatment. The dentist considers the tooth’s eruption, groove anatomy, existing restorations or decay, ability to keep the surface dry, and the person’s overall cavity risk.
How are dental sealants applied?
Placement is usually quick and does not require drilling or an injection when the tooth is otherwise healthy.
- The tooth is examined and its chewing surface is cleaned.
- The tooth is isolated and kept dry, because moisture can reduce bonding.
- A conditioning material is used according to the sealant system, then rinsed or managed as instructed.
- A thin sealant layer is flowed into the selected pits and fissures.
- The material is light-cured or allowed to set.
- The dentist checks coverage, retention, and the bite.
How effective are dental sealants?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants on permanent molars can prevent about 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against about 50% for up to four years. Protection can continue longer when the sealant remains intact, but results vary by tooth, material, moisture control, cavity risk, and follow-up.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants have been used for decades and are considered a safe preventive option when professionally indicated and applied. Materials differ, so tell the dentist about known allergies or previous reactions to dental products. The dentist can discuss the selected material if you have specific concerns.
Aftercare and maintenance
- Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth; sealants do not protect those surfaces.
- Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks.
- Attend follow-up visits so retention and the surrounding tooth can be checked.
- Report a bite that still feels unusually high or uncomfortable.
A sealant can wear, chip, or be lost. The dental professional may repair or replace it when appropriate. Losing a sealant is not usually an emergency, but the tooth should be reviewed rather than assumed to remain protected.
Dental sealants versus fluoride
These preventive measures work differently. Sealants form a physical barrier mainly on pits and fissures. Fluoride strengthens exposed tooth surfaces and supports remineralization. Many people benefit from both, based on individualized risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do sealants hurt?
Placement is generally painless. The tooth is cleaned, isolated, conditioned, coated, and checked. Anaesthesia is not normally needed for an intact tooth.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. An adult with susceptible, unrestored grooves may benefit. The dentist will check for decay, restorations, wear, and individual cavity risk first.
Can a cavity develop under a sealant?
A properly assessed and retained sealant reduces the supply of nutrients to covered bacteria. However, sealants and tooth surfaces require monitoring. A lost or defective sealant may need repair, and cavitated decay requires appropriate treatment.
How long do sealants last?
They can protect teeth for years, but retention varies. Regular checks matter because partial loss can be difficult to notice at home.
References
- CDC: About Dental Sealants. Updated May 15, 2024.
- American Dental Association: Pit-and-Fissure Sealants Clinical Practice Guideline.
- ADA/AAPD Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for Pit-and-Fissure Sealants.
Dental disclaimer: This article provides general education and does not replace an individual dental examination. AI-generated illustrations are used for educational purposes only; anatomical and procedural details may be simplified and are not diagnostic images.