Dental Sealants in Chicago, IL

Powerful Cavity Protection for Kids & Adults

When it comes to protecting teeth from cavities, few treatments are as simple, affordable, and effective as dental sealants. At Smile Era Dental, located at 6150 W. Higgins Ave Chicago, IL 60630, Dr. Josh Philip and Dr. Soumya Thomas provide dental sealants for children and adults across Chicago's northwest side and surrounding communities.

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, the molars and premolars, where cavities are most likely to develop. The procedure is quick, completely painless, and requires no drilling or anesthesia. Yet its impact on long-term oral health can be significant.

At Smile Era Dental, we believe the best cavity is the one that never forms. Sealants are one of the most powerful preventive tools we have and we're proud to offer them as part of our commitment to keeping your family's smiles healthy for life.

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What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?

Dental sealants are typically made from a safe, tooth-colored plastic resin material that bonds directly to the enamel of the tooth. Once applied and hardened, the sealant forms a durable, protective shield over the chewing surface, flowing into and sealing every groove and pit where cavities typically begin.

Modern dental sealants are:

BPA-free — safe for children and adults
Durable — can last several years with proper care
Proven effective — backed by decades of clinical research demonstrating significant reduction in cavity rates

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

With proper care, dental sealants can last anywhere from five to ten years, sometimes longer. At every routine dental visit, Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will check the condition of existing sealants and determine whether any need to be touched up or reapplied.

Sealants can chip or wear down over time, particularly in patients who grind their teeth or chew on hard objects. However, even a partially worn sealant continues to offer meaningful protection compared to an unsealed tooth. Reapplication is quick, simple, and just as painless as the original procedure.

The Dental Sealant Procedure — What to Expect

One of the greatest things about dental sealants is how simple and comfortable the procedure is. There are no needles, no drilling, and no discomfort. Here's exactly what the process looks like at Smile Era Dental:

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.

STEP 1

STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.

STEP 3

STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.

STEP 5

STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.

STEP 7

STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.

STEP 9

STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Cleaning the Tooth

The tooth receiving the sealant is thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or debris from the surface.

1

Preparing the Surface

A gentle acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth for a few seconds. This slightly roughens the surface, helping the sealant bond securely to the enamel. The solution is then rinsed off and the tooth is dried completely.

2

Applying the Sealant

The liquid sealant material is carefully painted onto the grooves and pits of the chewing surface, flowing into every crevice to create a complete seal.

3

Hardening the Sealant

A special curing light is used to harden the sealant within seconds, bonding it firmly to the tooth surface.

4

Final Check

Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will check your bite to make sure the sealant feels comfortable and natural. Any minor adjustments are made immediately if needed.

5

The entire process for each tooth takes just a few minutes and most patients, including young children, find it completely easy and stress-free.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Children & Teens

Sealants are most effective when applied soon after permanent molars erupt, typically between ages 6–13. Early protection helps prevent cavities before they have a chance to develop.

Adults

Adults with deep grooves in their molars or a higher risk of cavities may also benefit from sealants. They provide a simple, cost-effective way to protect healthy teeth from decay.

Protect Your Child's Smile Today — It's Easier Than You Think

Dental sealants are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do right now to protect your child's teeth from cavities. The procedure takes just minutes, causes zero discomfort, and the protection it provides can last for years. Don't wait for a cavity to develop — let us help you prevent one.

Schedule Your Sealant Appointment

New patients are always welcome. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants

The ideal time to apply sealants is shortly after the permanent back teeth erupt. The first permanent molars typically come in around age 6, and the second permanent molars around ages 11 to 13. Applying sealants as soon as these teeth appear gives them immediate protection before any decay can develop. That said, older children, teenagers, and adults can also benefit from sealants if their back teeth are healthy and have deep grooves. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will assess your child's teeth at their exam and let you know when the timing is right.

Yes. Dental sealants have been used safely and effectively for decades and are endorsed by major dental and public health organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Modern sealants are BPA-free and completely safe for children. The benefits of cavity prevention far outweigh any concerns, and the procedure itself carries no risk.

No — and this is an important point. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but they do not cover the spaces between teeth or the gumline, where cavities and gum disease also commonly develop. Brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and keeping up with regular dental visits at Smile Era Dental remain essential — sealants are a powerful addition to a good oral hygiene routine, not a replacement for it.

The best way to find out is to schedule a comprehensive exam at Smile Era Dental. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will evaluate the depth of the grooves in your child's back teeth, review their cavity history, and assess their overall risk level before making a personalized recommendation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — every child's mouth is different, and our doctors take the time to tailor their recommendations to each individual patient.