The chewing surfaces of back teeth are full of deep grooves that trap food and bacteria — grooves often too narrow for even a single toothbrush bristle to reach. That's why molars are where most cavities start, especially in kids.
A sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto those grooves, sealing them off before decay can take hold. No drilling, no numbing, and each tooth takes about a minute.
Children and teens benefit most — sealing molars soon after they come in protects them through the most cavity-prone years. But adults with deep grooves and no decay or fillings in those teeth are great candidates too.
Sealed teeth are dramatically less likely to decay. For the cost and the five minutes it takes, sealants are one of the best values in dentistry.
Usually several years. We check them at every exam and can touch them up easily if they wear.
No — they're most common for kids because timing matters, but adults with healthy, unfilled molars can benefit just as much.