Pit and fissure sealants are a painless and efficient way to prevent a cavity from forming on teeth. A sealant is a protective plastic coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities from forming. Cavities begin when bacteria accumulate in the grooves of the teeth, which are not always accessible with a toothbrush.
When a protective sealant is applied, bacteria are prevented from accumulating on the teeth and thus preventing the cavity from forming. Usually, sealants are applied on children to their first permanent molars which appear around the age of six. The dentist will decide if a sealant is right for you and will explain how they are applied.