Dental sealants are utilized to coat and seal the teeth, preventing food and bacteria from infiltrating the tiny grooves and causing decay. Typically applied to the biting surface of molars and premolars, sealants can obviate the need for costly and invasive treatments like dental fillings or crowns. While commonly applied to children and teens as their permanent teeth emerge, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealant application. Your dental professional will assess your teeth thoroughly to determine if sealant application would be beneficial, as it may not be required on all teeth. The process of applying sealant is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes per tooth, involving cleaning, preparation with a special solution, application of the liquid sealant, and drying with a special light. Although sealants typically last for many years, regular check-ups with your dental professional are necessary to ensure their integrity, and they may need to be replenished over time to prevent decay. With proper home care, including flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, sealants can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for fillings.