Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth to prevent decay. Molars have irregular chewing surfaces with pits and grooves, which tend to trap food and bacterial debris. Sealants flow into these areas to fill them in, thus preventing bacteria and decay from destroying the enamel and exposing the soft, easily damaged dentin. They are often used even by people who brush scrupulously, since deep molar fissures are frequently beyond the reach of toothbrush bristles.

Some indications that you might benefit from the use of dental sealants on your molars include, but are not limited to:

• Frequent cavities in other parts of the mouth, meaning the molars are vulnerable also.
• Exceptionally deep folds and pits in your molar enamel.
• Signs of decay detected while at a dental appointment.
• Visible defects in the molar enamel, without decay yet present.

It is also thought prudent to apply sealants to the permanent molars of children after they come in, due to the high number of childhood cavities. Shielding the molars through this crucial period often leads to greatly improved molar health and solidity later in life.