Related Video: Dental Sealants (No Drill)
A sealant is a clear or white, acrylic-like material that bonds with the tooth to help shield out decay-causing bacteria from the pits and chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They form a protective barrier covering the depressions and grooves to prevent cavities in hard to clean back teeth. Sealants can be applied to teeth that are free of decay and fillings, which is often the case with new teeth in children.
This image shows deep grooves that are normally found in molars. These narrow pits and grooves act as a food trap and are where two-thirds of all cavities occur in newly erupted teeth.
This image shows a sealant that was placed to protect the tooth surface from decay.
