Dental Sealants · Fissure Sealants · Makati
Thin resin coatings applied to the pits and fissures of premolars and molars — sealing out bacteria and food particles in surfaces that are structurally difficult to clean thoroughly. A simple, painless procedure with a meaningful long-term impact on decay risk in the surfaces where cavities most commonly start.
Book an AppointmentAt a glance
The chewing surfaces of molars and premolars are not flat. They are crossed by pits and fissures — narrow grooves that increase the surface area available for grinding food. These grooves are where bacteria and food debris accumulate most readily, and where a standard toothbrush bristle cannot reach. Most cavities in posterior teeth begin in these surfaces.
Dental sealants physically seal these pits and fissures with a thin layer of resin — creating a smooth, cleanable surface over the grooves. Bacteria can no longer colonise the depth of the fissure. The surface becomes something the patient can actually clean with routine brushing.
Sealants do not make teeth cavity-proof. Smooth surface decay and interproximal decay (between teeth) are not affected by sealants, and sound oral hygiene and diet remain relevant. But for fissure surfaces specifically, sealants significantly reduce the probability of pit and fissure caries — the most common site of posterior tooth decay.
The treating dentist examines the fissure surfaces to be sealed — confirming they are sound (no decay), not already stained in a way that suggests subsurface caries, and appropriate candidates for sealant. The intraoral scanner and/or intraoral camera may be used to view fissure surfaces in detail. This step prevents sealing over hidden decay.
The tooth surface is cleaned to remove any plaque or stain from the fissure area. A mild phosphoric acid etchant is applied for a short period to microscopically roughen the enamel surface — creating mechanical retention sites for the resin. The acid is rinsed thoroughly and the surface is dried. This step requires the tooth to remain dry throughout — isolation with cotton rolls and suction is maintained carefully.
The liquid resin sealant is applied to the etched fissure surface using a fine brush — flowing into the pits and grooves. A curing light is then directed at the surface for several seconds, polymerising the resin from a liquid to a hardened solid. The entire application and curing process for a single tooth takes under two minutes.
After the sealant has set, the bite is checked with articulating paper to confirm the sealant is not creating a premature contact on the treated tooth. Any high spots are adjusted with a fine bur. The patient is not left with a tooth that feels "high" or uncomfortable when biting.
Sealants wear and chip over time. At each recall visit, the treating dentist checks the integrity of existing sealants — noting any areas that have fractured, partially detached, or worn through. Sealants that are no longer providing complete coverage of the fissure can be repaired or replaced as needed. Regular monitoring ensures the protection remains in place.
Are dental sealants only for children?
No. Sealants are most commonly placed in children — particularly around ages 6–7 for first permanent molars and 11–13 for second permanent molars — because these are the years when newly erupted teeth have the most vulnerable, unmineralised enamel. However, adults with deep fissure anatomy, a history of pit and fissure caries, or specific risk factors may also benefit. Suitability is assessed case by case.
Does the sealant procedure hurt?
No drilling is involved and no anaesthesia is required. The etchant may feel mildly sour. The procedure is quiet and quick — most patients find it considerably easier than a filling appointment. It is particularly well-suited to anxious patients or children who respond better when procedures involve no injections or drilling.
How long do sealants last?
With proper placement, sealants can last several years. Some remain intact for a decade or more; others chip or wear through sooner depending on the individual's bite, diet, and the specific tooth. Monitoring at each recall visit identifies any that need repair or replacement. A sealant that is checked and maintained provides ongoing protection; one that is placed and ignored may fail without the patient knowing.
Can sealants be placed over teeth that already have fillings?
Sealants are intended for sound, unfilled fissure surfaces. Teeth that already have composite restorations in fissure areas may have the sealant extended over the margins of the filling in some cases — but this is assessed individually. The treating dentist will determine what is appropriate based on the condition of the existing restoration and the surrounding enamel.
How much do dental sealants cost in Makati?
Sealant fees are typically charged per tooth. The number of teeth to be sealed depends on how many fissure surfaces are sound, unsealed, and at sufficient risk to justify treatment. Pricing is discussed at consultation after the examination confirms the appropriate teeth.
Pit and fissure sealants are priced per tooth. The number of teeth requiring sealants — typically newly erupted permanent molars in children, occasionally premolars in adults with deep fissure anatomy — is assessed at examination. The treating dentist confirms which surfaces are appropriate and provides a total before any work is carried out.
DevelopDent is located on the ground floor of Legaspi Tower 200 on Paseo de Roxas — a short walk from Greenbelt and accessible from across Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, and BGC.
Directions and getting here →1st Floor, Legaspi Tower 200
107 Paseo de Roxas Street
Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229
Legazpi Village · near Greenbelt
Ayala Triangle · Salcedo Village
A check-up at DevelopDent includes an assessment of fissure surfaces — for yourself or your child. If sealants are appropriate, they can be discussed and planned as part of the preventive visit.
