Sealant A sealant is a plastic 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 (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of
back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth
surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions
and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas
by "sealing out" plaque and food.
The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children
and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.
Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to
seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces
are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The
sealant is then 'painted' onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the
tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant
harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from
decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last
several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits,
your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.