What are Pit and Fissure Sealants?

What are Pit and Fissure Sealants?

They are a white plastic material that is sealed onto the grooves of the chewing surface of the teeth. The material is placed on permanent molars and premolars that have deep pits and fissures and are intended to prevent tooth decay.

When should I have a sealant placed?

Typically as soon and the adult premolars and molars grow in you have them placed, as long as it is a natural tooth free of decay. Usually they are placed as kids and teens, to prevent cavities during the cavity prone years. They can last up to 10 years but need to be checked regularly by your dentist to make sure they haven’t worn away or chipped off.

Are sealants the same as a filling?

Fillings are used to fill in cavities caused by tooth decay and to restore teeth to the normal function. Pit and Fissure sealants are for prevention of tooth decay as they fill in the natural pits and fissures in the molars where decay occurs most often.