Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line.
Sealants are a plastic material used to prevent cavities from forming.
The sealant is usually painted on the chewing surface of permanent molars by a dentist. Sealants are generally used with children, but they can be helpful for adults as well. When the molars are forming, they can have deep pits and fissures in the chewing surface which are susceptible to decay. Part of this susceptibility is due to the inability of the toothbrush to reach down into the pits and fissures of the tooth. Placing sealants on these teeth can help prevent cavities.