Procedures
Dental sealant
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surface of a back tooth. It seals the grooves to keep out food and bacteria.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities. The chewing surfaces of back teeth are rough and uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and bacteria can get stuck in them. Toothbrush bristles cannot easily brush them away.
The sealant is painted on the tooth. According to the ADA, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better.
Sealants do not replace brushing or cleaning between teeth. Your dentist checks them at visits and can repair them if they wear. See occlusal surface and molar. Our office describes sealants on its dental sealants page.