Fissure Sealant

A fissure sealant is a thin plastic or glass ionomer coating placed on the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars to seal grooves and pits where food and bacteria can accumulate. The tooth is cleaned and prepared, the sealant material is applied into the fissures and usually set with a curing light or allowed to self-cure, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less likely to develop decay.

Sealants are commonly used for children and adolescents soon after permanent molars erupt, though adults with deep grooves may also benefit. They can last several years but should be checked during routine dental examinations because they may wear or chip; sealants are preventive and cannot repair existing cavities, which may require restorative treatments if decay has already started.