A sealant is a protective coating that is placed on the grooved top surfaces of the posterior teeth. It is flowable white material similar to the restorative material used for fillings and is painted on the grooves of the teeth. Sealants are often recommended for permanent molars starting around the age of 6 years but are sometimes recommended for anterior teeth or even primary molars.
Benefits of Sealants
- Seals grooves to prevent bacteria, acid, and food
- Allows the tooth to become more cleansable
- Has proven to decrease the risk of cavities
- Only takes a few minutes and is completely pain-free