The chewing surface of a back tooth is not flat — it is a landscape of narrow grooves, some thinner than a toothbrush bristle. A sealant fills those grooves with a smooth coating so food and bacteria cannot settle where a brush cannot reach. It takes minutes, needs no drilling, and is one of the most effective preventive treatments in pediatric dentistry.
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth, flowing into grooves too narrow for a toothbrush bristle to reach. Application takes minutes with no drilling. Sealants often last several years and are checked at each visit, usually placed around ages six and twelve.
Most cavities in school-aged children start in the grooves of the back teeth. Here is what changes when a sealant goes on.
Sealants are not recommended for every child or every tooth, but where they fit, the case is strong.
The grooves in a molar can be narrower than a single toothbrush bristle. No amount of good brushing reaches the bottom of them, which is exactly where decay starts.
No drilling, no injection, no numbness. The tooth is cleaned, the sealant is painted on, and a curing light sets it in seconds.
Sealants commonly last several years. We check them at every visit and simply top up or replace any that have worn or chipped.
Sealants cover the chewing surface only. Brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular cleanings still protect the sides and gumline.
No needles, no drilling, and no numbness afterwards. Most children are surprised it is over so quickly.
The chewing surface is polished so nothing is sealed underneath.
A gel is applied briefly, then rinsed, so the sealant bonds properly.
The liquid is painted on and flows into every groove.
A curing light sets it hard in a few seconds.
Your child bites together to check it feels right, then eats normally.
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Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
A thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth. It flows into the grooves and hardens, forming a smooth barrier that food and bacteria cannot get under.
Usually the permanent molars, and sometimes premolars. Front teeth are not sealed because they do not have deep grooves. Baby molars are occasionally sealed if their grooves are particularly deep and cavity risk is high.
No. Nothing is drilled and no injection is needed. The tooth is cleaned, a gel is applied and rinsed, and the sealant is painted on and set with a light.
Often several years. They wear gradually with chewing rather than failing suddenly, which is why we check them at every visit and repair or replace them as needed.
They substantially reduce decay on the surfaces they cover, which is where most cavities in school-aged children begin. They do not protect the sides of teeth or the gumline, so brushing and flossing still matter.
Usually soon after the first permanent molars come through, around age six, and again for the second molars around age twelve. The right timing is once the tooth has erupted enough to keep it dry during application.
Yes, occasionally, most often from chewing very hard or sticky foods. This is not painful and is usually spotted at a routine checkup. Replacing one is quick.
Yes. Sealants are widely recommended by pediatric dental organizations. Some contain trace BPA-related compounds, with any brief exposure occurring in the minutes after placement — well below levels considered harmful. Rinsing and wiping the tooth after curing reduces it further, which is standard practice.
Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) cover sealants on permanent molars for children, often with age limits. Our front desk can verify your coverage beforehand.
They do different jobs. Fluoride strengthens enamel across the whole tooth and is discussed in preventive dentistry. Sealants physically block the grooves fluoride protects least well. Most children benefit from both, and where decay has already started, silver diamine fluoride may be considered instead.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
Sealants are among the simplest ways to lower cavity risk on back teeth. Dr. Kohan can tell you at your next visit whether your child’s molars are ready and whether sealants are worth placing. Families come to us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario.
