Dental Sealants

A Simple Step Toward a Lifetime of Healthier Teeth

At North Roanoke Dental Associates, our goal is to help your family—especially your children—experience the least amount of dental treatment possible. Research shows that kids who reach adulthood with fewer fillings in their permanent teeth face a much lower risk of future dental problems. That’s where dental sealants come in.

Sealants are a preventive tool we often recommend for children in Roanoke and across Southwest Virginia, especially during critical stages of growth. Molars—those big chewing teeth in the back—have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria. Under a microscope, those grooves can look like narrow canyons: too small for a toothbrush bristle to clean effectively, yet large enough for decay-causing bacteria to thrive.

Applying sealants to these vulnerable chewing surfaces can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. If the molars are free of decay, Dr. Brett Rhodes or a member of our skilled team will clean and prepare the grooves, then flow a protective resin material into them. A gentle blue light hardens the sealant in seconds—no drills, no pain, and no anesthesia required.

Sealants typically last a few years and may need occasional touch-ups, but their benefits are long-lasting. In fact, research shows a 90% reduction in cavity development on sealed molars. This simple, cost-effective step gives your child extra protection as they grow—and may help them enter adulthood with fewer fillings and less need for restorative care.

At North Roanoke Dental Associates, we’re proud to offer personalized, preventive solutions that support long-term oral health for families throughout Roanoke and Southwest Virginia.