Fissure sealants.

Research has shown that the placement of pit and fissure sealants has dramatically reduced the incidence of dental decay in children. Sealants are applied to the deep pits and grooves on the chewing sides of the molars, and hence prevent cavity causing bacteria to invade these deep areas to cause decay.

Fissure sealants are of great benefit to children between the ages of 6 to 13, when the first sets of permanent molars erupt into the dentition. These are generally considered the cavity prone years.

The sealant material is made of a liquid plastic that bonds directly to the tooth surface. There are no toxic effects from the use of the sealants and the application is painless.

Properly sealed teeth should last for few years.