Sealants

Dental sealants (pit and fissure sealant)
A dental sealant is a plastic, professionally-applied material that is put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Dental sealants provide a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

Why should my child get dental sealants?
Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealant application. First molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years of age. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the molars have erupted, before the teeth have a chance to decay. For that reason, children between the ages of 5 and 15 benefit most from dental sealants.

Are dental sealants just for kids?
The potential to develop pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But some adults at high risk of decay can benefit from dental sealants as well. Your dentist can tell you if you would benefit from dental sealants.

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