Preventive Care

Sealants

A sealant is a resin material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth-premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids.

Brushing and flossing are important for removing food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of the teeth. However, tooth shapes vary and in some cases, the bristles cannot reach all the way into the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” these cavity-causing remnants. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Be sure to ask your dentist if sealants are appropriate during your next appointment.