A method of treating the chewing surfaces of the molars (sealing the fissures) that prevents tooth decay.
Sealing the teeth, or more precisely their fissures, is an effective way to prevent tooth decay. The chewing surfaces of the molars are very uneven, and food particles can collect in them, which increases the risk of decay.
Sealing is not at all painful. First the tooth is cleaned with a special paste and all debris and plaque are removed, then a material is applied that hardens on its own or when exposed to a special light, and finally a local fluoride treatment is applied to the tooth. After treatment, the tooth is smooth and free of grooves, food debris does not settle on it and plaque does not form.
Sealing is recommended mainly for children, on the permanent molars soon after they erupt. However, it can also be used in adults. The applied “sealant” lasts approximately 3–5 years, as during that time it wears away from the tooth surface.