Protect your teeth with dental sealants, a quick, painless coating that shields your back teeth from decay for the long term.
Cavities in the back teeth are one of the most common reasons children and even adults end up needing fillings, and the deep grooves in molars make them especially hard to clean with a toothbrush alone. If you have noticed your child coming home from school with a note about sealants, or you are simply looking for a straightforward way to protect growing smiles, understanding how this treatment works can help you make a confident decision at your next visit.
At our practice, we offer dental sealants as part of our broader approach to preventive dentistry, giving Durham families another tool to stop decay before it starts. We see patients of every age here, and sealants fit naturally into the same philosophy that shapes the rest of our care, listening to your goals first and then building a plan around what actually protects your family’s teeth.
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, typically the molars and premolars. These teeth have narrow pits and grooves that are nearly impossible to reach with normal brushing, which makes them a common site for cavities to form. The sealant flows into those grooves and hardens, creating a smooth barrier that keeps food particles and bacteria from settling into the tooth’s natural crevices, essentially closing off the spots where a toothbrush cannot fully reach.
The application itself is quick and completely painless. We clean and dry the tooth, apply a solution that helps the sealant bond properly, then paint on the sealant material and cure it with a special light. Most teeth can be sealed in just a few minutes, with no drilling, numbing, or discomfort involved, which makes it an easy addition to almost any checkup.
Children and teenagers are the most common candidates for sealants since their permanent molars are still relatively new to the wear and tear of daily eating. The best time to seal a tooth is shortly after it erupts, before decay has a chance to take hold, though sealants can be placed on healthy adult teeth as well.
Adults who are particularly cavity-prone, or who have deep grooves in their molars that have never been sealed, can also benefit from this treatment. Patients recovering from orthodontic treatment or those who have struggled to keep up with regular brushing habits in the past are often good candidates too, since sealants provide an added layer of protection while other habits catch up. We evaluate each patient’s risk factors and tooth anatomy during a routine dental exam and cleaning to determine whether sealants make sense as part of your preventive plan.
The research behind sealants is well established. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities for two years and continue protecting against 50 percent of cavities for up to four years after they are applied. Since the majority of cavities in children and teenagers develop in the back teeth, this makes sealants one of the more efficient preventive treatments available, particularly for families juggling busy schedules who want fewer restorative visits down the road.
Sealants also work well alongside other preventive habits you are likely already practicing at home. Combining sealants with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings gives your family’s teeth several layers of protection rather than relying on just one method. For patients who could use extra support against decay, we may also recommend fluoride treatments alongside sealants to further strengthen enamel, particularly for younger patients whose teeth are still developing.
Sealants are durable but not permanent. They typically hold up well for several years under normal chewing forces, though we check them at every routine visit to make sure they remain intact. If a sealant chips or wears down, it can usually be repaired or reapplied without much hassle, and catching this early helps avoid gaps where new decay could start.
Because we already see our patients regularly for cleanings and exams, monitoring sealant condition becomes a natural part of the checkups you are already scheduling, rather than an extra appointment to remember. This kind of ongoing attention is part of why we encourage patients to keep a consistent schedule of preventive visits rather than only coming in when something feels wrong.
Getting sealants placed does not require any special preparation. We will evaluate your child’s or your own molars during a regular checkup, discuss which teeth would benefit most, and can often complete the sealant application in the same appointment. There is no recovery time, and you can eat and drink normally right away, which makes this one of the more convenient preventive treatments to fit into a busy family schedule.
Dr. Will Church built this practice around the idea that dentistry works best when patients understand their options and feel comfortable with the plan in front of them, and sealants are one of the simplest, lowest-stress treatments we offer. With his training focused on combining thoughtful diagnosis with practical solutions, he takes the time to explain whether sealants are the right fit for your family before moving forward with anything, so you always know exactly what to expect and why.
If you think sealants could help protect your child’s molars or your own, our team is ready to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. Reach out to our office to schedule a visit and find out whether sealants belong in your family’s preventive care plan.
Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.
When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.
Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.
While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.
We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.
We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.
Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.
At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.
Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.
Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704
Phone
(919) 220-6553
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| Monday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.
Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.
