Dental sealants are usually applied to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. It only takes a few minutes to seal a tooth and freezing is normally not required. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves acting as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.