Medically reviewed by Dr. Aditi Jain, BDS, MDS · Periodontist & Oral Implantologist · with 15 years of experience·Last reviewed 11 June 2026
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where they fill the deep pits and grooves so food and bacteria cannot settle and start a cavity. At Surekha Dental Clinic in Mulund West, Mumbai, dental sealants (also called pit and fissure sealants) are quick and gentle, with no needle and no drilling, so most children find the whole sitting easy. They suit children soon after the adult molars come through, usually around the ages of six and twelve, and also help younger children whose milk molars have very deep grooves. Sealing those grooves early is one of the simplest ways to protect new teeth from decay. If you would like to give your child a head start against cavities, our friendly team will make the whole experience calm and reassuring.
Sealants work best on healthy teeth before any decay starts, so it is worth booking a gentle check-up if you notice any of the following in your child.
A new adult back tooth has come through, usually around the ages of six and twelve
The back teeth have deep, dark grooves that a toothbrush cannot reach into
Food often sticks or gets trapped in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth
Your child has had cavities before, or finds thorough brushing difficult
White, brown or chalky marks are appearing on a back tooth
It has been more than six months since your child last had a dental check-up
Step by step
Here is exactly what happens during your dental sealants, step by step.
1Step 1 of 3
How is the tooth prepared for the dental sealant?
Getting the tooth ready is a calm, gentle step with no drilling and no needle, which most children find very easy. The dentist first cleans the chewing surface of the back tooth with a soft, spinning polishing cup, a little like a tickly toothbrush, to lift away any film. The tooth is then kept dry with a couple of soft cotton rolls tucked beside the cheek. Next, a thin pale-blue etching gel is dabbed onto the pits and grooves for a short while, which gently roughens the surface so the sealant can grip well, and then it is rinsed away completely. Your child feels only a little water and air, nothing sharp. With the tooth clean and dry, it is ready for the protective coating.
2Step 2 of 3
How is the sealant painted onto the chewing surface?
With the tooth ready, the dentist paints on the sealant itself, and this is the part that does the protecting. A runny, pale sealant material is gently flowed into the pits and grooves on the chewing surface, where it spreads into every deep crevice that a toothbrush bristle simply cannot reach. Because the material is thin to start with, it settles right down to the bottom of each groove and fills it, leaving a smoother surface that is far easier to keep clean. There is no drilling, so your child feels only a soft brush touching the tooth. Filling these grooves takes away the tiny hiding spots where decay usually begins, which is how sealants help protect new back teeth. The coating is now ready to be set hard.
3Step 3 of 3
How is the sealant set hard and checked?
The final step sets the sealant firmly in place, and it is quick and comfortable for your child. The dentist holds a small curing light over the coated tooth for around twenty seconds, and its blue light hardens the soft sealant into a thin, solid protective layer bonded to the chewing surface. The light is cool and gentle, so your child simply sits still for a moment. Once it has set, the dentist checks that the sealant feels smooth and that your child can bite together comfortably, adjusting it if needed. Your child can eat and drink as normal straight away. The team will also show you how a sealed tooth should still be brushed every day so it stays protected.
Frequently asked questions about dental sealants
Do dental sealants hurt?
No, placing a sealant is one of the gentlest treatments in dentistry, with no injection and no drilling. The dentist cleans the tooth, applies a gel, paints on the coating and sets it with a light. Your child feels a little water, air and a soft brush, nothing sharp.
How long do dental sealants last?
A well-cared-for sealant typically lasts several years, often right through the years when the new back teeth are most at risk of decay. Sealants can wear down slowly with chewing, so the dentist looks at them during each routine check-up and simply tops them up if needed to keep the tooth protected.
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes, dental sealants are a safe, well-established way to help protect young teeth and are recommended by leading dental bodies worldwide. The coating sits only on the chewing surface, and nothing is drilled or removed from the healthy tooth. At Surekha Dental Clinic we keep the sitting gentle and child-friendly throughout.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are usually placed soon after the adult back teeth come through, commonly around the ages of six and twelve, when those teeth are newest and most at risk. Some younger children with very deep grooves in their milk molars benefit too. The dentist will advise the right timing after examining your child.
Do sealed teeth still need brushing?
Yes. A sealant protects the deep grooves on the chewing surface, but the sides of the teeth and the gum line still need daily care. Your child should keep brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and the team will show you simple ways to help them brush well at home.
How much do dental sealants cost in Mumbai?
The cost depends on how many teeth are sealed and on what your child needs, so there is no single fixed price. Please call Surekha Dental Clinic on +91 98334 88847 or use the booking form, and a written cost is provided after a short examination, with no obligation to proceed.
