Dental or fissure sealants refer to a plastic resin which is bonded into the grooves or fissures of the chewing surface of a tooth.  This serves as a measure to help prevent cavities from forming.

■  Why place dental sealants?

Bacteria found in the surface grooves of molar teeth form plaque which leads to the formation of a cavity.  The groves or fissures found on these teeth may be narrow and deep and are very difficult to keep clean.
 

By bonding a plastic resin (sealant) into these grooves the dentist can create a shallow smooth surface.  Since dental plaque can then be removed more effectively, there is much less chance that a cavity will form.