According to the statistics provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 70 percent of individuals in America, under the age of 19, are affected by tooth decay. Sealants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cavities by placing a protective coat over the pits and fissures located on the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth. As these areas are hard to reach, brush and keep clean, the sealants shield the tooth structure from accumulation of plaque and microbial film.
Sealant placement serves as a preventive measure, with the goal of alleviating the need for more invasive procedures in the future such as fillings, root canals, crowns or extractions. Premature tooth loss can be typically avoided by using this method of prevention as the sealants last for many years and effectively guard newly developed teeth from decay.