While front teeth are used to tear food, back teeth are used to chew food. Back teeth have broader biting surfaces with deep pockets with many crevices (also known as pits and fissures). Small pits and fissures can be difficult or impossible to clean, which can lead to plaque, tartar, and tooth decay.
Sealants are resin coatings generally applied to the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of permanent back teeth. Sealants help to prevent food, plaque, and acids from starting tooth decay. When properly placed, sealants are barely visible, and there is evidence that they are safe and effective at preventing tooth decay for many years.1
It is important that sealants are placed properly. If they are placed improperly, bacteria and decay can form under the sealant that may go undetected and become worse as a result.
After getting sealants, it is important to continue to visit the dentist regularly. Even properly placed sealants can break or eventually wear down. A dentist needs to continuously monitor the sealants to ensure that any problems are caught early and addressed quickly.
To properly place a sealant, a dentist will take the following steps:
Deep pits and fissures may be treatable in other ways.
Failure to protect the deep pits and fissures in teeth can lead to a greater chance of tooth decay.
Plan Coverage Disclaimer
Services described in this resource may not be covered by your dental plan. Your dental plan administrator may also place limits on services, or some of the services may be eligible medical plan expenses. Other services may be subject to review for dental necessity. This may affect the services your plan will cover and the amount your plan considers to be an eligible dental plan expense. Consider submitting a pre-treatment estimate before services are rendered. Please refer to your certificate for coverage details.