dental sealants on molar teeth to prevent cavities

Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities for Teens and Adults in Merrick County?

October 23, 2025 9:00 am

When most people think of dental sealants, they picture kids — those shiny protective coatings often applied during childhood checkups. But here’s the truth: sealants aren’t just for kids. Teens and even adults in Merrick County can benefit from sealants, especially if they’re prone to cavities in the grooves of their molars.

At The Dentist in Central City, NE, Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan and Dr. Mikaela Shaw often recommend sealants as a simple, preventive way to protect teeth for patients of all ages.

How Sealants Work

Sealants act as a barrier, covering the deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of back teeth — places that toothbrush bristles can’t always reach. They’re made of a thin, tooth-colored resin that’s painted onto the enamel and hardened with a special light in just a few minutes.

Once placed, sealants help keep food and bacteria out of those hard-to-clean grooves, significantly reducing the risk of decay. The process is quick, painless, and requires no numbing or drilling.

Why Teens and Adults Benefit Too

Even with great brushing and flossing habits, it’s easy for plaque to build up in the molars. Teens juggling school, sports, and social lives might rush through their brushing routine. Adults, on the other hand, may have slightly deeper grooves or older fillings that make cleaning tricky.

Sealants add an extra layer of protection for those teeth most vulnerable to cavities — especially for anyone who’s had multiple fillings before or tends to get decay in the same spots. And while they’re not a replacement for daily hygiene, they’re an excellent complement to regular cleanings and fluoride treatments.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on your bite and how well you maintain them. During routine checkups, Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw will check for any wear and reapply them as needed. It’s an easy, affordable way to prevent future dental work.

Protecting Merrick County Smiles at The Dentist

Whether you’re a parent scheduling sealants for your child or an adult interested in extra protection against cavities, our team at The Dentist in Central City is here to help.

Preventive care is always easier — and less costly — than treatment after the fact. Call or schedule an appointment today to find out if dental sealants are right for you or your teen.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Ryan has been my dentist since her hire at Central City Family Dental. She has since purchased the business and transformed it into a cutting-edge practice offering state-of-the-art procedures and patient care. She plans to open a new facility in the future to expand on the already exceptional service. They will be welcoming a new doctor in July, which speaks to the success of their practice. Dr. Ryan is always friendly and personable, and possesses a unique ability to relate with patients of all ages. She is down-to-earth and practical, using plain language to explain care plans and upcoming procedures.I always feel welcome, informed, and cared for at The Dentist!

Dane C.

I have always known I had a good dentist purely because I and my family have never feared to go to the dentist. My son-in-law recently had to visit a dentist in a city in another state. His experience was so miserable and now I understand why some people fear the dentist. This office is always welcoming and puts you first. It is a happy place and they are always concerned about your comfort and making sure you have a good experience. This has been my dentist office since I was a little girl and I never fear making a referral to them.

Cheri S.

Dr. Ryan and her team are the best! They have a fun and friendly atmosphere and are so thorough and knowledgeable. They truly work to give the best patient care possible. Even my kids love them. I think the sign on the door says it all, they are awesome.

Allison H.

It's not always easy for some of us with gum disease to go to the dentist, let alone feel like you can trust what they are doing and care about how you are. I appreciate all they do to make me feel comfortable, as I tend to have some unique challenges. The Dentist, including Dr. Ryan and all the staff from the dental hygienist to the front office are excellent to work with and offer positive suggestions for ways to deal with gum disease and the anxieties about them. I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

Amy P.

I have been to several dentists in my lifetime. The last dentist who I went to for many years retired. So, I had to look for a new dentist and was very impressed by the professionalism this new staff displayed during my visit. The dentist, technicians, and office staff all seemed to have a genuine desire to see that I had the best care provided. This dental office exceeded my expectations so I believe I have found a new health provider that will take care of my dental needs.

Phillip B.