Sealants
Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to molars and premolars to protect against decay in the deep grooves of teeth. People who have teeth with deep grooves (also known as pits and fissures) are more prone to cavities and tooth issues because they are difficult to clean and more susceptible to decay.
Sealants for All Ages
Baby teeth are occasionally sealed if a child has deep grooves or depressions and the child is cavity prone. For children and teens, sealing is performed after six-year molars come in and during the cavity-prone years between six and 16. Adults can receive sealant therapy if their undecayed tooth surfaces have deep grooves or depressions.
Steps to Sealants
The sealing process usually takes one appointment. A dentist or hygienist applies a sealant (it only takes a couple of minutes per tooth). The sealant is painted onto the surface of the tooth where it hardens automatically or with the help of a special curing light.